Ground stop ordered for all airports nationwide for ‘reasons of safety’

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday ordered a nationwide ground stop on all departing flights “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.”

The unusual alert contained no other information beyond stating that “all departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice.”

Nationwide ground stops are extremely rare.

After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the FAA ordered an unprecedented nationwide ground stop. All civilian air traffic across U.S. airspace was halted and airborne planes were ordered to land at the nearest available airports.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.