GREENVILLE, Wis. — After the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, flights already in the air began landing at Appleton International Airport (ATW) throughout the evening. Travelers who finally touched down faced extended delays, runway backups and a wave of cancellations.
Passengers left without clear updates
Many arriving passengers said airport staff could only repeat what the FAA had released, offering little detail about the cause or expected duration of the disruption. “We immediately worried about our family members flying around the country,” said Michael Barlow, who arrived from Phoenix. “Several are stranded in Dallas and Detroit. We were in the air from Phoenix, and we got here, and we’re happy about that.”
Other travelers echoed Barlow’s frustration. Tricia Knuth, a resident of Darboy, spent more than three hours on the runway at Chicago’s O’Hare before finally landing at ATW. She said the airline eventually booked her a nearby hotel room, but the experience left her and other passengers exhausted.
Airport officials and federal response
Airport officials confirmed they were receiving the same limited information as the public. “We only know as much as the FAA has released,” a spokesperson said, adding that the airport was working to re‑schedule affected flights and accommodate passengers in need of lodging.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed the situation at a news conference Friday afternoon, emphasizing public safety. “There is no fear to the public. I want to make sure we say this again — there is no reason for the public to be afraid or scared for your loved ones,” Mullin said, noting that everyone remained safe.
Impact on travelers and next steps
The ground stop, which affects the entire national airspace, was triggered by a combination of weather and staffing constraints, according to the FAA’s brief statement. While the agency did not provide a specific timeline for lifting the stop, officials indicated that normal operations could resume once the underlying issues are resolved.
Airlines are advising passengers to check flight status regularly, consider alternate routes, and stay in contact with their carriers for rebooking options. Travelers who have been stranded overnight are encouraged to use the airport’s customer service desks for assistance with hotel vouchers and meal allowances where applicable.
How to stay informed
For the latest flight information at Appleton International Airport and Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport, passengers can visit the official airport websites or follow the airlines’ social media channels. The FAA also provides real‑time updates on its website and through the Aviation Weather Center.
As the situation continues to evolve, local authorities remain focused on ensuring passenger safety and minimizing further inconvenience. Residents with family members still in the air are urged to remain patient and keep lines of communication open with airlines and airport staff.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
