US grounds all departing flights over safety concerns

US Federal Aviation Administration

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a national ground stop on Friday citing extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns.

“extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety”

Ground stop order

The FAA directed all departing flights to remain grounded while inbound international flights would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Chicago O'Hare airport

The agency had earlier announced a ground stop at Chicago O'Hare International Airport due to a communications issue.

Equipment outages

The FAA warned equipment outages could lead to airborne holding at airports across the country's national airspace system.

National airspace system

This ground stop affects all departing flights nationwide while inbound international flights are handled individually.

Safety concerns

The FAA cited safety concerns as the reason for the national ground stop order.

Ground stop duration

The FAA directed all departing flights to remain grounded until further notice.

Inbound flights

Inbound international flights would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Chicago O'Hare

The FAA had earlier announced a ground stop at Chicago O'Hare International Airport due to a communications issue.

Equipment outages

The FAA warned equipment outages could lead to airborne holding at airports across the country's national airspace system.

National airspace system

This ground stop affects all departing flights nationwide while inbound international flights are handled individually.

Safety concerns

The FAA cited safety concerns as the reason for the national ground stop order.

Ground stop duration

The FAA directed all departing flights to remain grounded until further notice.

Inbound flights

Inbound international flights would be handled on a case-by-case basis.