Europe Suspends US-Bound Flights After FAA Ground Stop

Quick Facts: FAA Ground Stop and International Flights

• Europe suspended US-bound departures during a seven-hour window specified in the Eurocontrol advisory.

• Mexico held US-bound flights following restrictions from American aviation authorities.

• Brazil's Guarulhos Airport received a grounding alert for US-bound departures.

• Montreal suspended US flights and warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations.

• International flights were handled individually under the FAA's case-by-case arrival policy.

• Aircraft already airborne could continue while new departures faced restrictions.

• As of the most recent reports, the FAA had begun clearing some departures through coordination with air traffic control, but it had not announced that the nationwide ground stop was lifted.

Europe Suspends Flights to the United States

Eurocontrol's Network Manager issued an advisory suspending US-bound departures from the ECAC area between 10 p.m. UTC on November 13 and 5 a.m. UTC on November 14, following a request from the FAA.

The restriction covered a European aviation region that includes the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and many other countries. It did not shut down flights operating within Europe, and the FAA permitted exceptions for international arrivals on a case-by-case basis.

Eurocontrol's November 13 advisory specifies a temporary suspension of US-bound departures from the ECAC area between 22:00 and 05:00 UTC. Image source: Eurocontrol Network Manager advisory, reproduced in a screenshot from Europa.com on X

The advisory establishes the restriction window, but not how many flights were ultimately delayed or canceled. Travelers flying from Europe to the US should therefore check their individual bookings rather than assume every transatlantic service was canceled.

Mexico, Brazil, and Canada Report Flight Restrictions

The FAA's restrictions also affected major international routes outside Europe.

• Mexico: Aviation authorities instructed aircraft scheduled to depart for the United States to remain on the ground.

• Brazil: São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport reported receiving an FAA alert to hold US-bound departures. Brazilian reporting also confirmed the cancellation of a Campinas-to-Fort Lauderdale service and its return flight.

• Canada: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport announced that its US services were suspended until further notice and warned travelers to expect delays and cancellations.

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport warned passengers that flights between Montreal and the United States were suspended because of the nationwide US technology issue. Image source: Aéroports de Montréal / YUL official X announcement

What International Travelers Should Do Now

If you're flying to or from the United States, check directly with your airline before heading to the airport. A ground stop can be lifted before every delayed aircraft and crew is back in position, so disruptions may continue after departures resume.

• Check your airline's app for the most recent departure and arrival information.

• Look for travel waivers before paying to change your booking.

• Keep hotel and meal receipts if you're unexpectedly stranded.

• Review your refund rights.

FlightAware's aircraft-tracking map provides a snapshot of planes over the United States and neighboring regions during the disruption. Image source: FlightAware

The last nationwide FAA ground stop in January 2023 lasted less than two hours, but thousands of flights were delayed or canceled. Friday's incident involved a different technical problem, so the earlier shutdown cannot reliably predict how long this recovery will take.

Even after a ground stop is lifted, airlines may need to reposition aircraft and crews before normal schedules can resume.

Frequently Asked Questions: Europe Suspends US-Bound Flights

Were all flights from Europe to the US canceled?

No blanket cancellation of every flight has been confirmed. Eurocontrol issued a temporary suspension of departures from the ECAC area to US airports, while the FAA said inbound international flights would be handled individually.

Are flights from Mexico to the US affected?

Yes. Mexican aviation authorities instructed aircraft scheduled for US destinations to remain on the ground during the restrictions.

Are flights from Canada to the US suspended?

Montreal-Trudeau announced a suspension of services to and from US airports during the shutdown, and Toronto Pearson reported no scheduled US-bound departures or arrivals. Travelers should confirm the latest status of their specific flights with their airlines.

Can I get a refund if my international flight is canceled?

Under US Department of Transportation rules, travelers are generally entitled to a refund if a flight to or from the US is canceled and they choose not to accept alternative transportation.

Where can I check FAA flight restrictions?

Visit the FAA National Airspace System Status website for operational advisories, or FlightAware to check a specific flight.