The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a ground stop for both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport due to a significant telephone outage. This disruption has effectively halted both departing and inbound flights. According to a statement provided to The Dallas Morning News, the FAA announced, “The FAA is slowing flights at Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport due to a reported local telephone company equipment issue that does not involve FAA equipment. The FAA is working with the telephone company to determine the cause.”
Initially, the FAA indicated that the ground stops would remain in effect until 5 p.m., with a possibility of extension ranging from 30% to 60%. A ground stop prohibits flights destined for North Texas from taking off until the FAA lifts the advisory. As the situation evolved, by 4 p.m., the ground stop at Dallas Love Field was downgraded to a ground delay. Flights at Love Field were delayed by an average of 28 minutes, according to FAA reports.
In addition to the ground stop, a ground delay was issued for DFW Airport, resulting in an average delay of 68 minutes for flights. As of 4 p.m., FlightAware data reported a total of 626 delays and 172 cancellations at DFW Airport. In comparison, Dallas Love Field experienced 158 delays and just one cancellation. It is noteworthy that Dallas Love Field is primarily operated by Southwest Airlines, which utilizes 18 of the airport’s 20 gates, while American Airlines operates its major hub out of DFW.
In response to the ongoing situation, American Airlines issued a statement on social media platform X, mentioning, “The FAA reported an issue involving the telecommunications provider for the air traffic control facility that oversees the airspace in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a result, the FAA has severely limited flights into both DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field, which is affecting our operation.” To assist affected customers, American Airlines has issued a travel alert, allowing them to rebook without incurring change fees. Passengers are encouraged to visit the airline’s website for additional information regarding the disruption.
Moreover, the FAA has also placed a ground stop on flights departing to Fort Worth Alliance Airport and Fort Worth Meacham International Airport. However, the agency has not provided immediate clarification on whether these stops are related to the outages affecting DFW and Love Field. Similar to the other ground stops, these are also projected to last until 5 p.m.
As the FAA collaborates with the telecommunications provider to resolve the issue, travelers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and cancellations affecting their flights.
