FAA Lifts Ground Stop After Hours of Disruption at CVG

The Federal Aviation Administration ended a nationwide ground stop just after 8:30 p.m. Friday, restoring operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport after hours of delays.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the agency ordered the halt due to a communications issue affecting air traffic control centers. The FAA notice described the action as necessary for safety due to extraordinary circumstances.

This event marks the first nationwide ground stop since January 2024, when a key FAA computer system malfunctioned. Prior to that incident, the last such order followed the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

CVG issued a notice shortly after the stop was lifted, urging passengers to verify their flight status directly with their airlines before traveling to the airport. The airport estimates that Saturday flights will resume on schedule.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told the Associated Press that families do not need to worry about loved ones currently in the air. Officials do not believe the communications issue resulted from a cyberattack.

Travelers with departing or arriving flights at CVG can check real-time status online to confirm their schedules.