On the evening of Friday, Nov. 13, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop that halted departures and arrivals at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and nearby regional airports, creating a travel scramble for thousands of Central Florida residents heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.
According to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), MCO cancelled 281 flights on Friday—123 arrivals and 158 departures—and a further 232 flights on Saturday, Nov. 14, including 132 arrivals and 100 departures. The airport’s spokesperson urged passengers to verify flight status with their airlines and advised non‑essential travelers to avoid the terminal.
GOAA also noted that concession partners remained open, airlines paused passenger check‑in to ease gate‑area crowding, and Visit Orlando arranged discounted hotel rates at Rosen Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Orlando for stranded travelers.
Daytona Beach International Airport reported that the ground stop affected five arriving and three departing flights, including a Breeze Airways flight to North Carolina that was cancelled, with the next available service not until Sunday. The airport’s statement emphasized that the terminal, concessions and services stayed open, and passengers should check directly with airlines for updates.
At Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), the final flight of the night landed around 6 p.m. from Appleton, Wisconsin. Passengers learned of the ground stop only after arrival. More than a dozen Allegiant Air flights scheduled for late Friday were impacted, with the flight to Concord, North Carolina, officially cancelled. Airport officials directed travelers to contact airlines for specific information.
WCVB reported that the ground stop, the first nationwide halt since a 2023 computer malfunction and the last such action after the Sept. 11 attacks, was lifted just after 8:30 p.m. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin identified the cause as a telecommunications outage, not a cyberattack.
Tom Kinton, former director of Massport, warned that the disruption will not be resolved quickly. He said crews are likely to reach duty‑time limits, leading to further cancellations and a “long time to unravel” the backlog as the country heads into one of its busiest travel periods.
What’s next: Travelers are advised to continue monitoring airline communications, expect additional delays in the coming days, and be prepared for possible re‑booking or alternative transportation as the FAA works to restore normal operations.
