FAA ends four-hour nationwide flight halt after air traffic control communications failure

The US Federal Aviation Administration lifted a nationwide ground stop that lasted more than four hours, after a communication problem affected air traffic control centres. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed the disruption on an “incredibly old” air traffic control system; officials said there was no indication of a cyber-attack and everyone was safe. The shutdown disrupted air travel across the US and affected some international flights.

FlightAware recorded more than 8,500 delays and nearly 8,000 cancellations on Friday, with more than 3,500 aircraft in the air when the FAA announced the stop. The disruption also affected US-bound flights from Europe, the UK, Australia and Canada, and officials warned of delays continuing for days. US passengers whose flights are cancelled or significantly delayed can choose alternative travel or a refund; UK rules also require airlines to provide care during delays and cancellations.