US flight cancellations reach 5,000 as FAA recovers from ground stop

The Federal Aviation Administration expects up to 5,000 flight cancellations today following a ground stop caused by an equipment outage.

By SafarSamachar Desk14 Nov 2026, 10:52 pm IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1FAA expects up to 5,000 flight cancellations today.
2Over 4,200 flights have been cancelled by 12:00 p.m. ET.
3The outage was caused by a faulty piece of equipment, not a cyberattack or AI.
4Approximately 12,000 flights were unable to recover after the ground stop.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a nationwide ground stop at 8:15 p.m. ET yesterday after an equipment outage disrupted air traffic control systems.

Despite the resumption of operations, the agency expects up to 5,000 flight cancellations today as airlines work to recover. Over 4,200 flights have been cancelled by midday, with delays and cancellations concentrated at major hubs like Chicago’s O’Hare, Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson, and Dallas Fort Worth airports.

The outage was not linked to a cyberattack or artificial intelligence, but officials are investigating whether it stemmed from faulty equipment or installation.

The FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, confirmed that the current air traffic control system, which is decades old, is not sustainable and will continue to experience issues until it is replaced. Airlines are expected to restore full schedules by tomorrow night.

Travelers with affected flights may face disruptions to personal events, including weddings and birthday parties, as well as potential delays for professional sporting events.

What this means for travellers

If you have a flight within the US today, check with your airline for updates. Consider alternative travel plans if your flight is among the 4,000–5,000 expected to be cancelled.

Sources

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