FAA halts takeoffs at US airports nationwide over communication issue

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday ordered a nationwide ground stop, pausing departures from airports across the United States. The agency cited extraordinary circumstances and safety, and said aircraft already in the air would be permitted to land. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the stop followed a communication problem affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers, and that FAA technicians were investigating. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told reporters at the White House that there was currently no reason to suspect a security threat. Further updates were promised as more information became available.