Nationwide FAA ground stop: All U.S. flight departures halted until at least 11 pm

The FAA has halted all departing flights at U.S. airports today, Friday, November 13, directly impacting travelers at JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR).

The nationwide ground stop took effect at 3:54 pm and is scheduled to remain in place until at least 11 pm, though the FAA advised that departing traffic remains grounded “until further notice.”

If you’re flying out of the New York area tonight, expect delays and cancellations. A ground stop holds planes at their origin airport, so flights bound for New York from elsewhere in the country are not taking off either.

The FAA cited “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety,” pointing to a communications failure affecting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers—the facilities that guide planes between airports.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on Twitter that all national centers are impacted and technicians are actively investigating.

• Domestic Departures: All departing flights are grounded
• Domestic Arrivals: Because a ground stop holds planes at their origin, flights bound for New York from elsewhere in the U.S. are also grounded
• International Arrivals: Inbound international flights are not under a blanket ban. The FAA is handling these on a case-by-case basis. If you’re picking someone up, check the specific flight status rather than assuming a cancellation

Even if departures resume at 11 pm, airlines will require significant time to reposition aircraft and crews. Travelers should expect massive cascading delays and cancellations, potentially extending through Saturday.

• Check your airline directly: Use your airline’s official app, text alerts, or website for the most accurate flight status and automated rebooking options
• Do not go to the airport: If you’re scheduled to fly out tonight, hold off on heading to JFK, LGA, or Newark unless your airline explicitly confirms your flight is operating
• Have your booking details ready: Rebooking phone lines and apps will be overwhelmed. Having your confirmation number on hand will save time when navigating the queue.
• Monitor official channels: Follow real-time updates directly from the FAA and Secretary Duffy on Twitter

This is a developing story. Times and conditions will be updated as the FAA shares more information.