Chaos at US Airports: Thousands of Flights Delayed or Cancelled Due to Air Traffic Control Issue

Washington: The air traffic system in America was suddenly affected on Friday. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an order to temporarily stop flights from airports across the country. This decision was taken after a technical glitch in the communication system at the regional air traffic control centres. According to officials, this precautionary step has been taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers and aircraft.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy informed on social media that the national ground stop was implemented after communication problems emerged in air route traffic control centres. FAA technicians are working to diagnose and fix the problem.

What is ground stop and which flights are affected by it?

After the ground stop is implemented, the planes present at the airport are not allowed to take off. However, planes that are already in the sky are allowed to reach their destination safely and land. Decisions regarding international flights are being taken on a case-by-case basis.

According to flight tracking website FlightAware, about 7,000 flights were delayed or cancelled due to this technical problem. Apart from America, its impact was also seen at airports of many countries including Canada. Toronto Pearson Airport halted flights to the US.

Was it a cyber attack or a telecommunication outage?

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin clarified that initial investigation did not indicate any malicious attack. He described the incident as a telecommunication outage. Also assured the passengers that there has been no compromise on the safety of the planes and there is no need for people to panic.

The FAA also said the situation is being continuously monitored. Further information will be given to passengers after the technical glitch is resolved and air traffic becomes normal.

Why was the national ground stopped for the second time?

This is the second time after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in America, that such a ground stop was implemented across the country. Earlier in January 2023, flights had to be banned across the country due to a technical glitch in the FAA's computer system.

Currently, work is underway to fix the communication problem that occurred on Friday. However, the FAA has not clarified how long it will take for air services to become completely normal.