MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Federal Aviation Administration halted flight departures nationwide Friday, Nov. 13, after communications problems affected regional air traffic control centers, according to The Associated Press.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said FAA technicians were investigating the disruption. The FAA cited safety concerns in ordering the stop.
Why did the FAA ground flights?
CNN, reporting through WTTW, reported that the communications issue affected all Air Route Traffic Control Centers, which manage aircraft traveling between airports.
When will flights resume?
The FAA advisory directed departing traffic to remain grounded until further notice, CNN reported. Inbound international flights were to be handled individually. The reports cited here did not provide a confirmed time for normal departures to resume.
What should South Dakota travelers do?
Mitchell-area residents with flights booked from Sioux Falls or other airports should check their airline’s flight status before leaving and review connecting flights.
The FAA recommends contacting airlines for flight-specific delay information. Travelers can also monitor the agency’s National Airspace System status page for operational updates.
Specific Sioux Falls delays and cancellations were not independently confirmed for this report.