The FAA has lifted its nationwide ground stop after a communications problem brought departing flights across the United States to a halt on Friday.
The rare order was issued over concerns affecting air traffic control centres across the country, leaving passengers stranded in airports and on aircraft waiting on the tarmac.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the disruption was triggered by an issue affecting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers, while FAA technicians investigated the fault.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said during a press conference that the public had never been in danger and that everyone’s loved ones were safe.
Duffy also criticised what he called “patchwork” fixes to the ageing air traffic control system. He said he wanted $50 billion for a new system and urged Congress to approve emergency funding immediately.
The FAA announced the all-clear after airports had been ordered to stop departing flights because of the telecommunications issue.
The disruption also affected travellers aboard private aircraft, with model Brooks Nader reportedly stuck in New York while attempting to reach Louisiana for an LSU game. Former Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe said on Instagram that she was caught in the airport chaos while waiting to get home.
