U.S. Orders Nationwide Ground Stop, Canadian Airports Prepare for Delays

A nationwide ground stop has been ordered across the United States, halting departing flights from airports across the country amid extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns.

An advisory issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Friday, November 13, directs all aircraft operators to keep departing traffic grounded until further notice.

Inbound international flights will be managed on a case-by-case basis.

Canadian airports implementing traffic measures

NAV CANADA says it is closely monitoring the FAA ground stop and confirms its systems are operating normally, with no direct impact to its operations.

However, the Canadian air navigation service provider is implementing traffic management measures at four major airports to safely manage traffic volumes.

The measures affect:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport

• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport

• Calgary International Airport

• Vancouver International Airport

NAV CANADA says travellers should expect delays and check their flight status directly with their airline.

The organization also says it continues to support the safe movement of air traffic in Canadian airspace, including aircraft that may be diverted as a result of the U.S. disruption.

What travellers should know

While the U.S. ground stop does not directly shut down Canadian airport operations, its effects are being felt across the Canadian aviation network.

Passengers travelling between Canada and the United States, as well as those connecting through affected airports, may experience delays or schedule changes.

Travellers are encouraged to monitor airline updates and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport.

The FAA advisory lists the ground stop as effective from November 13 into November 14, with departing traffic instructed to remain grounded until further notice.