If you’re flying today, here’s what you need to know!
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a nationwide ground stop affecting flights across the United States, including Hawaiʻi.
Why Did the FAA Ground Flights Nationwide?
The FAA issued the nationwide ground stop at approximately 2:54 p.m. Central Time (10:54 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time) as a safety precaution following a telecommunications outage affecting air traffic control centers.
Although the disruption has been linked to communication system issues, officials have not yet confirmed the underlying cause of the outage.
A nationwide ground stop is extremely unusual. The last time the FAA halted departures across the country was in January 2023, following a computer system failure.
Here’s what the ground stop means for flights:
- Departing flights: Aircraft scheduled to take off from U.S. airports are temporarily being held on the ground.
- Flights already in the air: Aircraft that departed before the ground stop can continue flying and land safely.
- International arrivals: Flights arriving from other countries are being handled individually.
- Flight delays and cancellations: Disruptions may continue even after the ground stop is lifted.
The FAA’s initial advisory listed an estimated end time of 10 p.m. Central Time (6 p.m. Hawaiʻi Time). However, that time is subject to change, and it does not guarantee that all flights will resume immediately.
How Long Will Flight Delays Last?
Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer yet.
Even when the FAA gives airlines permission to resume departures, air travel won’t necessarily return to normal right away.
Airlines operate on carefully coordinated schedules, with aircraft and flight crews traveling between multiple destinations throughout the day. When flights are grounded nationwide, those schedules can quickly fall behind.
A delayed flight in Los Angeles, for example, could affect a later departure from Honolulu if that same aircraft is scheduled to operate the route.
Travelers should prepare for possible disruptions throughout Friday and into the weekend, especially at major connecting airports.
What Should You Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?
If you’re affected by the FAA ground stop, there are several things you can do to make the situation a little easier.
1. Check Your Airline’s App Before Going to the Airport
Before leaving for the airport, check your flight status directly through your airline’s website or mobile app.
Most airlines provide real-time notifications about schedule changes, cancellations, and rebooking options.
Even if your flight currently shows as on time, continue checking for updates. Flight schedules can change quickly during nationwide disruptions.
If you haven’t received an official cancellation notice, don’t automatically assume you can skip your original check-in time.
2. Look Into Rebooking Options Immediately
If your flight has been canceled, check your airline’s app for alternative flights before waiting in line at the airport.
Many airlines allow passengers to rebook directly through their websites or mobile apps.
You can also contact customer service by phone or online chat while waiting to speak with an airline representative.
Because this ground stop affects flights nationwide, available seats on alternative flights may fill up quickly.
Some airlines may also issue travel waivers allowing passengers to change their flights without additional fees. Be sure to review the specific terms before making any changes.
3. Know Your Rights to a Flight Refund
One of the most important things to understand is that you may be entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, airlines must provide refunds when:
- Your flight is canceled and you decide not to travel.
- Your domestic flight arrives at least three hours later than originally scheduled and you reject the alternative arrangements.
- Your international flight arrives at least six hours later than originally scheduled and you reject the alternative arrangements.
These protections apply even if you purchased a nonrefundable or basic economy ticket.
However, if you accept the airline’s alternative flight or travel credit, your refund options may change.
You can review your rights on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
4. Will Airlines Pay for Your Hotel or Meals?
If you’re stuck at an airport overnight, you might be wondering whether your airline will cover your hotel, food, or transportation.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Airlines typically provide certain accommodations when disruptions are within their control, such as mechanical problems or crew scheduling issues.
Because this nationwide ground stop was ordered by the FAA, airlines generally aren’t required to provide complimentary hotels or meal vouchers.
It’s still worth asking your airline whether any assistance is available.
If you need overnight accommodations, consider reserving a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy while you figure out your next steps.
5. Check Your Travel Insurance or Credit Card Benefits
If you booked your trip using a travel credit card, you may already have coverage that can help with unexpected expenses.
Certain credit cards and travel insurance policies offer trip delay benefits that may reimburse eligible costs, including hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Coverage varies depending on your card or insurance provider, and not every delay qualifies.
Before making a claim, review your policy’s coverage requirements, eligible reasons for delays, and minimum waiting periods.
Be sure to save your receipts, flight cancellation notices, and any documentation provided by your airline.
How Does the FAA Ground Stop Affect Hawaiʻi Flights?
For travelers flying to or from Hawaiʻi, the nationwide disruption could create additional challenges.
Flights between the islands and mainland destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas may be impacted by delays elsewhere in the airline network.
Travelers arriving in Hawaiʻi could also face longer waits if their aircraft is unable to depart its mainland airport.
Those with connecting flights should pay especially close attention to their itinerary.
If you’re scheduled to fly from a neighbor island to Honolulu before catching a mainland or international flight, make sure you have enough time between connections and monitor both flights for changes.
While the ground stop affects departures nationwide, each airport and airline may experience different levels of disruption.
Where Can You Check Live Flight Updates?
For the latest information, use these official resources:
FAA National Airspace System Status
Check for current airport delays, ground stops, and other air traffic advisories.
FlightAware
Track individual flights and view delays or cancellations at airports throughout the country.
Your Airline’s Website or App
For updates specific to your reservation, your airline remains the best place to check your flight status, receive schedule notifications, and explore rebooking options.
Final Thoughts
Having your flight delayed or canceled is frustrating, especially when you’re traveling with family, trying to make a connection, or heading somewhere for an important event.
While the FAA works to resolve the communication issues and restore normal flight operations, the best thing travelers can do is stay informed and be prepared to adjust their plans.
Keep checking your flight status, understand your refund options, and don’t forget to look into any travel protection benefits you may already have.
And if you’re traveling to or from Hawaiʻi this weekend, give yourself some extra flexibility. Even after the ground stop is lifted, it may take some time for airlines to get back on schedule.
Safe travels!
This article reflects information available on November 13, 2026. As this is a developing situation, travelers should monitor official FAA and airline announcements for the most current updates.
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