FAA Halts Air Travel Nationwide, Affecting Hawaii
A nationwide FAA ground stop began just before 11 a.m. Hawaii time, with Hawaii included in the halt.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Air Travel
The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop that began just before 11 a.m. Hawaii time on November 13, affecting air travel to and from the state. Interisland flights are not directly affected, and operational impact across Hawaii's airports has been relatively limited.
Why it matters
Hawaii depends heavily on air travel, so a nationwide halt reaches travelers, residents and airport operations across the islands. Aircraft unable to continue their routes must be parked at island airports, creating logistical strain even as service continues.
About 80 aircraft that could not continue scheduled routes are being accommodated at island airports, and some delays occurred as aircraft were moved in anticipation of incoming flights. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has not yet indicated how long the parking arrangement will last.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is the U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, including air traffic control across the national airspace system.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is a major airline headquartered in Honolulu that operates interisland, mainland and international routes serving Hawaii.
Hawaii Department of Transportation
The Hawaii Department of Transportation oversees the state's airports and transportation infrastructure, including the island airport system.
The details
The FAA issued the ground stop as a nationwide halt affecting air traffic, and Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines flights are impacted. Hawaiian Airlines continues to operate neighbor island flights, international flights to and from Honolulu, and some West Coast-Hawaii routes, while international flights serving Hawaii are not subject to the ground stop.
Timeline
Just before 11 a.m. Hawaii time on November 13, 2026: FAA nationwide ground stop began.
Travel Outlook
Nationwide FAA ground stops follow the pattern of the September 2023 halt that stopped departures across U.S. airports, with island airports facing added parking strain. For Hawaii travelers, the disruption highlights how dependent interisland and mainland connections are on continuous national air traffic operations.
Travelers with Hawaii flights on Hawaiian or Alaska Airlines should check their booking status before heading to the airport. International flights into Honolulu are not subject to the ground stop, so those itineraries may proceed as scheduled.
The takeaway
Air travel disruptions in Hawaii can be limited when interisland and international routes keep operating, but travelers should verify flight status directly with their carrier. Keeping an eye on airline notifications is the most practical step during a nationwide ground stop.
Further reading
For broader context on how these disruptions unfold, see Air Travel coverage on Wisevoter.
