FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Covering DMV Airports; Delays Expected

Updated, 4:52 p.m.

Travelers at the Washington-Baltimore region's three major airports should expect flight delays Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop because of a communications issue affecting air traffic control centers.

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The order covers Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

BWI officials confirmed that departing flights were being held until further notice.

"Due to an equipment issue, the FAA has issued a nationwide ground stop," BWI said in an alert. "Departing flights are currently being held until further notice."

The airport urged passengers traveling Friday afternoon or evening to confirm their flight status with their airlines.

Reagan National and Dulles also issued alerts warning travelers to expect delays because of the nationwide ground stop. Both airports said their facilities remained open.

"Check with your airline regarding the status of your flight," Reagan National officials advised.

An FAA command center advisory obtained by FlightRadar24 cited "extraordinary circumstances" and safety reasons for the nationwide restriction.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA issued the ground stop following a communications issue affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers.

FAA technicians were investigating the problem, Duffy said.

"All departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice," the FAA advisory stated. Inbound international flights would be handled individually.

The number of delayed flights and affected passengers at BWI, Reagan National and Dulles was not immediately available.

The FAA had not announced when normal departures would resume.

Travelers should check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.