Widespread disruption as departing flights grounded in US

Detailed summary

The US Federal Aviation Administration grounded all departing flights nationwide after a communications failure hit air traffic control centers across the country, disrupting thousands of flights.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all departing flights nationwide after a communications failure hit air traffic control centres across the country, disrupting thousands of flights.

The announcement means planes in the air may land, but those on the ground cannot take off.

In a statement, Aer Lingus said that some of its flights from the US are now being cleared to depart, after previously being on hold.

The FAA notice said the ground stop was being imposed "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety".

Dublin Airport has said that there is a possibility that flights to and from the airport could be impacted tomorrow morning.

"It remains unclear how long this suspension will remain in effect, and there is a possibility that it could impact both arriving and departing flights between Dublin Airport and the United States on Saturday morning," the airport operator said on X.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there is a communications issue affecting the 22 regional air traffic control centres that direct planes en route between airports nationwide.

Secretary of homeland security Markwayne Mullin said there was no indication yet that "this was a nefarious attack against us. It's just a telecommunications outage".

"Everybody's safe. There's no reason to be concerned about your loved ones if they're flying," he added.

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