All flights nationwide were grounded the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 13, due to a "communication issue," according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“FAA technicians are investigating the issue,” Duffy wrote in a social media post. “We will provide immediate updates as we have them.”
Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director Chris Morello told the Weekly, “The National ground stop has affected flights at MRY from starting at about 1:00 pm."
Morello says two planes landed after the announcement, but five aircraft were on the ground waiting for the ground stop to be lifted. "Passengers are holding in the airport terminal until clearance is given to air traffic to resume operations," she says.
The Federal Aviation Association announced there was a "temporary telecommunications outage—out of an abundance of caution all flights have been halted. Every flight has been accounted for and international flights will be handled on a case-by-case basis."
Later Friday afternoon, See Monterey and the Monterey County Hospitality Association released a joint statement about the nationwide ground stop.
“See Monterey is working closely with the Monterey County Hospitality Association, Monterey Regional Airport and our hotel partners to monitor the FAA’s nationwide ground stop and respond to its impacts,” the statement reads. “Monterey County’s hospitality industry is prepared to assist visitors currently in the destination and those whose travel plans may be affected.”
See Monterey is sharing updates and information about the stoppage on its travel alerts page and through social media.