US flights updates: Passengers at UK airports to face disruption after FAA ground stop

Detailed summary

The FAA has begun gradually lifting restrictions after a ground stop was ordered at airports across the USA - the Federal Aviation Administration says it was due to 'extraordinary circumstances'

Passengers flying to and from UK airports are likely to face disruption after flights were grounded across the United States.

Manchester Airport has also warned that three US-bound Virgin Atlantic flights scheduled to leave on Saturday morning are likely to be affected. Gatwick, meanwhile, is understood to be facing minimal impact.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the dramatic step was taken due to "extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety".

US Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Sean Duffy, confirmed the order came "following a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers".

In the early hours of this morning the FAA has begun gradually lifting restrictions as systems come back online, with some flights receiving clearance to depart for overseas destinations, including Germany and Prague.

The airports where many of the flights ended up being diverted included Washington Dulles International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Nashville International Airport.

Delta Air Lines says "we are safely resuming flights" after the ground stop was lifted.

They posted on X: "The FAA-mandated ground stop has been lifted and we are safely resuming flights. We encourage you to check the Delta app or dl.aero/6018xB2cn for flight status and the latest updates.

"Thank you for your understanding as we work as quickly as possible to fully restore."

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