Why It Matters
The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights nationwide Friday after communication problems affected air traffic control operations. The disruption became the most severe U.S. air-travel shutdown since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
What Happened
The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop, citing extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the problem affected Air Route Traffic Control Centers.
Airspace reopened at about 8:15 p.m. Eastern. The cause of the communications failure was not known.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the problem as a telecommunications outage throughout the FAA. He said all flights had been accounted for and said there was no indication the incident was connected to the widespread Microsoft outage earlier in the week.
“We have no reason to believe as of right now that this was a threat to the United States,” Mullin said.
By the Numbers
- Friday: Day the nationwide ground stop was issued
- About 8:15 p.m. Eastern: Airspace reopening time
- Sept. 11, 2001: Date used in comparing the shutdown’s severity
- 2001: Year of the terrorist attacks referenced in the comparison
Zoom Out
The disruption came after the FAA recently expanded its use of an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist with air-traffic management. The tool suggests routes and does not control safety decisions, according to the FAA.
Some Democrats raised concerns about the tool’s rollout. Mullin said a connection to artificial intelligence could not be ruled out, although no cause had been established.
What’s Next
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, said the ground stop “will warrant a thorough and complete investigation.”
About the Author
