US flight authority orders national ground stop over air traffic control 'communication issue'

The US flight authority halted national flight operations on Friday after a reported communication issue impacting air traffic control centres, according to the briefing from the transportation secretary.

Officials described the measure as a nationwide ground stop designed to manage the suspected disruption within the air traffic control network.

The decision was announced by the country’s transportation secretary, who cited a problem in the communications capability of air traffic control centres as the reason for the stoppage.

Details about the specific centres involved or the scope of the impact were not disclosed in the material provided, but the action affected flights across the United States.

The move underscores the agency’s response to potential vulnerabilities in air traffic management and the precautionary steps taken to ensure aviation safety.

No information was provided about when normal operations would resume or any subsequent updates beyond the initial halt.