FAA Ground Stop Halts Flights Nationwide

A communication problem prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to stop flights at airports across the country on November 13, disrupting travel at Boston Logan and nationwide. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the problem affected all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. FAA technicians were investigating, he said in a social media post at about 4:20 p.m.

The Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Logan, confirmed that flights in and out of Boston were grounded. It urged travelers to contact their airlines for updates. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she had been briefed and was seeking answers from federal officials.

At Logan, passengers checked flight information and tried to change their plans. Peter and Maria Silletti, who were traveling to North Carolina for their daughter’s early Saturday game, planned to rent a car and drive through the night. Nick Benton was trying to reach Florida for his grandfather’s funeral on Saturday and was unsure whether he would make it.

Erica Ambrose, meanwhile, had been seeking a way back to her New York home from Atlanta since November 12. She said two earlier flights had been canceled and expected her current flight might also be affected. She said she felt more comfortable driving. Most flights on Logan’s departures board were listed as delayed, with a smaller number canceled. The FAA was investigating the communication issue.