FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Covering DMV Airports

WASHINGTON, DC — A nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration ordered departing aircraft to remain on the ground Friday afternoon, covering the Washington-Baltimore region’s three major airports.

The order applies to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Specific local impacts, including the number of delayed flights and affected passengers, were not immediately known.

An FAA command center advisory obtained by FlightRadar24 cited “extraordinary circumstances” and safety reasons but did not explain what prompted the nationwide restriction.

“All departing traffic should remain ground stopped until further notice,” the advisory stated. Inbound international flights would be handled individually, according to the notice.

Travelers with flights scheduled through BWI, Reagan National or Dulles should check with their airlines for flight status updates before heading to the airport.

The advisory did not provide a firm time when departures would resume.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.