FAA grounds all flights across the United States

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a nationwide ground stop, grounding all aircraft and halting departures across the United States. In the agency's notice the ban on takeoffs was introduced "due to emergency circumstances and for safety reasons."

The FAA did not provide further details about what prompted the measure. The Secretary of Homeland Security said the ground stop did not stem from a threat to the United States, and preliminary reports from law enforcement sources indicate it was not a cyberattack.

Immediate effects on flights and passengers

An online flight-tracking service showed roughly 3,100 planes were already airborne and en route to airports in the United States at the time of the order. Social media platform X displayed notices that no new departures were taking off at the moment.

Airlines and airports began implementing contingency procedures: crews were instructed to return to gates where possible, and passengers on affected flights faced delays or diversions. U.S. officials said President Donald Trump had been informed of the situation.

Investigations by federal authorities and aviation regulators were reported to be underway to determine the cause and expected duration of the ground stop. Officials have not yet given a timeline for when normal flight operations might resume.

Photo: press material from the event