FAA halts U.S. plane takeoffs due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop for all departing flights nationwide. According to the advisory, everything was stopped “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.”Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said it was a communication issue impacting all air route traffic control centers. “FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide immediate updates as we have them,” he said on X. An alert from the FAA said no other information beyond stating that “all departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice.”The tower at Augusta’s Regional Airport confirms the order to pause departing planes was sent out around 3:50 p.m.The abrupt move will have rippling effects for air travelers.