American Airlines Ground Stops all flights: What is a Ground Stop and how soon will flights resume?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ground stop for all American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve morning. The directive came as the airline experienced a technical issue that disrupted operations on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, American Airlines said, “Our teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.” The airline has not provided an estimated timeline for when operations will return to normal.

What is a Ground Stop?

A ground stop is one of the most restrictive air traffic management measures. It requires specific aircraft to remain on the ground based on criteria such as airport, airspace, or equipment constraints. Ground stops are typically implemented during severely reduced capacity situations, such as weather disruptions, technical issues, or unforeseen events impacting air traffic control services.

Local and National Ground Stops

Ground stops can be local, affecting facilities within a single area, or national, impacting flights across the country. Local ground stops are generally shorter, lasting up to 30 minutes, unless extended with prior approval. National ground stops are used only after exploring less restrictive measures and require coordination between affected facilities and the FAA.

When Can Flights Resume After a Ground Stop?

The duration of a ground stop can vary depending on the underlying issue. Once the cause is addressed, air traffic control collaborates with the airline to gradually release flights in a controlled manner to avoid overwhelming the system. Priority is often given to flights with connecting passengers or those that have been delayed the longest. The FAA and the airline continuously monitor and adjust the process to ensure a safe and efficient resumption of operations.

Impact on Passengers

The technical issue on Christmas Eve caused significant inconvenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and contact the airline for updates. American Airlines has assured customers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly.

This story will be updated as more details become available.