US flights grounded across America on Friday (US time) are back in the air. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted a nationwide ground stop that lasted more than five hours and left thousands of travellers stranded, including many Australians.
Airlines are warning of severe delays while the backlog is cleared.
Why US Flights Grounded Nationwide
The FAA cited “extraordinary circumstances” and safety. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a communications problem hit all 22 regional air traffic control centres.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said early findings pointed to a telecommunications outage, not an attack. “Everybody’s safe,” he said.
FlightAware recorded about 10,500 delays and more than 1,800 cancellations on flights into and out of the US. It was only the second nationwide ground stop since 11 September 2001.
Aussies Caught Out
Sydney Airport said US-bound flights would resume after a pause on Saturday morning. Qantas reported a small number of delays and is offering flexibility on US-related bookings for 13 and 14 November.
Adelaide traveller Trish Crabb told the ABC she was stuck behind at least 200 people at New York’s JFK Airport after her Delta flight was cancelled.
7 Steps to Take After US Flights Grounded
1. Check your flight status. Before heading to the airport, check your airline’s app, the FAA’s status page, FlightAware and Smartraveller.
2. Contact your airline or agent. The Australian Travel Industry Association says travellers flying within 72 hours are being prioritised.
3. Know your refund rights. Under US rules, if your flight is cancelled and you decline the alternative, you’re entitled to a refund, whatever the cause.
4. Use fee waivers. Delta is allowing free changes for Friday and Saturday travel. United is waiving change fees and fare differences for new flights departing between 12 and 20 November.
5. Check onward plans. Make sure a new itinerary still connects with cruises, tours or separately booked flights.
6. Review your travel insurance. Most policies only cover events that weren’t publicly known when you bought them. Keep all receipts and get written proof of the disruption.
7. Know where to get help. Australians in serious trouble overseas can call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Flights are moving again, but a full recovery could take days. Travellers affected when US flights grounded should keep checking official sources and hold on to paperwork for any extra costs.
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General information only, not legal or financial advice. Check with your airline or insurer before acting.
