US ground stop: Australian travellers face more flight delays, copper wire system blamed for shutdown

Detailed summary

Flights across Australia are continuing to face delays on Sunday morning as airlines work to recover from a major aviation disruption in the US which brought air travel to a…

Flights across Australia are continuing to face delays on Sunday morning as airlines work to recover from a major aviation disruption in the US, where a nationwide ground stop brought air travel to a standstill for almost five hours.

The rare shutdown, ordered by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday local time, affected departing flights across the country and triggered widespread cancellations and delays, with disruption spreading to international routes including Australia.

Although US airspace was reopened after Washington lifted the order, the impact is continuing to ripple through airline schedules across the globe as carriers struggle get back into position.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) warned it would take some time for airlines and airports to recover from the order.

“This is a developing situation and there will be knock-on impacts,” ATIA chief executive Dean Long said.

“If you’ve booked through an ATIA-accredited travel business, expect to hear from them or your airline.

“That is the most reliable way to get advice that fits your itinerary.”

A spokesman for Sydney airport told NewsWire flights from the airport were being delayed.

“We are aware of the nationwide ground stop issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration and are monitoring the situation closely,” the spokesman said.

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