Travelers at Eugene Airport faced an unexpected stand‑still on Friday, Nov. 13, after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop that grounded every outbound flight in the United States. The airport’s security line was nearly empty by 2:30 p.m., a stark contrast to the usual bustle.
Airport response
Andrew Martz, assistant director of Eugene Airport, confirmed that while inbound flights are being handled as usual, all departures remain suspended until further notice. “My advice to travelers is to contact their airlines directly,” Martz said, adding that updates will be posted on the airport’s website.
Traveler experiences
Ramp agent Henry Jagger recounted learning of the ground stop when a plane arrived and another could not depart to make room. “We were like, ‘why isn’t it moving?’” he said, recalling a coworker’s message that all departing airplanes in the United States were grounded.
Passengers gathered at airline desks outside security, with longer lines forming at gates behind the checkpoint. Many expressed frustration and uncertainty about how to reach their destinations.
Official comments
The Associated Press cited Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who said there is no reason for the public to be concerned about safety and no indication that the grounding is the result of a hostile act.
Impact on visitors
Ron Corey, a visitor from Canada who arrived earlier in the week to work on his motorhome, said the grounding delayed his return home. “It would have been a 11 p.m. flight,” he noted, “but now we’ll have to wait for the FAA to lift the stop.” Corey added that hotels are becoming scarce, so he will return to his motorhome instead.
No timeline for resumption
As of 4:22 p.m., airport officials said there is still no estimated time for flights to resume. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are urged to stay informed through the airport’s online channels.
Potential effect on Saturday’s football game
The Oregon Ducks are set to host the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Nov. 14. A spokesperson for the University of Oregon Athletic Department said they have not been alerted to any concerns that the grounding would affect the game. The Wolverines arrived in Eugene on Thursday, and preparations continue as scheduled.
For now, the focus remains on keeping passengers informed and ensuring that inbound traffic proceeds safely while the nation awaits the FAA’s next update.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
