The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted a nationwide ground stop imposed after a communications failure hit air traffic control centres across the country, but officials warned delays could persist as operations return to normal.
The grounding of planes on Friday — only the third ever in American aviation history — resulted in thousands of disrupted flights and affected travel between the U.S. and Canada, as well as some international flights that use American airspace.
U.S. officials pointed to communications problems at regional air traffic control centres as the issue. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday night resuming normal air travel would be a slow process.
The FAA began experiencing instability with its radar and communications systems at 3:36 p.m. ET, affecting facilities across the country, he said.
Duffy pointed to the aging U.S. air traffic control infrastructure and called on lawmakers to approve money to rebuild the system.
“I want Congress to give us emergency funding,” Duffy said during a news conference at the White House, referring to efforts to build a new air traffic control network.
The FAA told Global News earlier in the day its technicians were investigating Friday’s incident.
NAV Canada confirmed the FAA ground stop had been lifted.
“NAV CANADA will continue to ensure that air traffic remains safe and efficient in Canadian airspace. Some delays may persist as operations return to normal,” it said.
The privately run, non-profit corporation, which operates Canada’s civil air navigation system, says passengers should check the status of their flight with airlines.
