Manchester, N.H. – A nationwide ground stop imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday night caused a cascade of flight cancellations at Manchester‑Boston Regional Airport (MHT) on Sunday morning. The disruption hit families and graduates who had gathered for Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) commencement ceremony.
Graduates caught in the delay
Joshua Logsdon and his wife traveled to New Hampshire to celebrate their daughter’s graduation. While the ceremony went smoothly, their return flight to San Antonio was among those canceled on Sunday. “We’re not worried about it,” Logsdon said, adding that his wife was understandably concerned.
Another graduate, Cassandra Horta, recounted being in the air when the ground stop was announced on Friday. After enduring several delays and a sleepless night, she managed to walk across the stage on Saturday. Her scheduled flight home to California was canceled Sunday, leaving her to rearrange travel plans.
Ground stop details
The FAA’s nationwide ground stop was triggered by safety concerns unrelated to any local airport conditions. The measure halted all departures from U.S. airports until the issue could be resolved. As a result, thousands of passengers across the country faced delays, with MHT experiencing a particularly high volume of cancellations due to the timing of SNHU’s graduation.
Airport officials worked through the night to re‑schedule flights and provide assistance to stranded travelers. Temporary shelters and food vouchers were made available in the terminal, and airline staff set up information desks to help passengers rebook.
Impact on families and local community
Many families had traveled from out of state to attend the ceremony, making the cancellations a significant inconvenience. Local hotels reported a surge in last‑minute bookings as guests sought overnight accommodations while awaiting new flight options.
SNHU’s administration expressed sympathy for those affected and coordinated with the airport to provide updates. The university’s spokesperson noted that the graduation schedule remained unchanged, but encouraged families to stay in touch with airlines for the latest information.
What’s next?
The FAA expects the ground stop to be lifted later today, with normal operations resuming by early evening. Passengers with canceled flights are advised to check with their airlines for rebooking options and to monitor airport announcements.
Travelers planning future trips through MHT are encouraged to allow extra time for potential delays, especially during peak travel periods such as university graduations and holiday weekends.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
