FAA Halts Flights at Columbus Airport
A communications issue with air traffic control prompted the Friday evening ground stop at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Air Travel
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The FAA issued a ground stop Friday evening, halting flights at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The notice cited extraordinary circumstances and safety, and the halt was attributed to communication issues with air traffic control.
Why it matters
A communications issue is affecting 22 regional air traffic control centers that direct planes between airports nationwide, so the disruption extends beyond Columbus. Travelers in the city and region face delays until the FAA resolves the problem.
The FAA's notice cites extraordinary circumstances and safety, and 22 regional air traffic control centers are affected. The last nationwide ground stop came in 2023, and the cause of the current communications failure remains under investigation by FAA technicians.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration
The federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing U.S. civil aviation, including air traffic control operations and nationwide ground stops.
Sean Duffy
The U.S. Transportation Secretary, who oversees the Department of Transportation and its agencies, including the FAA.
The details
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a communications issue is affecting the 22 regional air traffic control centers that direct planes en route between airports. The airport advised travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight status, and the Ohio State game Saturday was not affected because Northwestern arrived before the ground stop.
Timeline
September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks prompted the previous nationwide ground stop.
2023: The last nationwide ground stop was issued.
Friday evening, November 13, 2026: Flights at Columbus airport were halted.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: The Ohio State game and Flyers-Blue Jackets game proceed as scheduled.
Seasonal Patterns
This Columbus ground stop follows the nationwide FAA halt issued in 2023, which was itself preceded by the post-September 11, 2001 ground stop. Compared with those system-wide shutdowns, the current disruption is regional in scope, affecting Columbus and 22 air traffic control centers.
Travelers booked through Columbus airport should check with their airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport. Because the disruption is tied to regional air traffic control centers, connecting flights elsewhere may also be delayed.
The takeaway
Checking your airline's flight status before leaving for the airport can save time during ground stops like this one. Travelers should also allow extra buffer time when flying through regional hubs during air traffic control disruptions.
Further reading
For more on how these disruptions affect passengers, see Air Travel coverage.
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