HYANNIS – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop Friday afternoon, November 13, halting departing flights at airports across the United States because of widespread air traffic control communication problems.
The order affects airports nationwide, including Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis, Nantucket Memorial Airport and Martha’s Vineyard Airport.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the ground stop was prompted by communication issues affecting air traffic control centers across the country. FAA technicians are investigating the problem.
The FAA cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns in ordering all departing aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice. Aircraft already in flight are permitted to land, while international arrivals are being handled on a case-by-case basis.
Flight tracking service FlightAware reported nearly 7,000 flight delays or cancellations nationwide Friday afternoon.
The extent of the disruption to scheduled flights serving Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard was not immediately clear.
Travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information before heading to the airport.
