“We need to always ensure the safety of the traveling public, and at the same time, systems that are this critical cannot fail,” Sen. Jackie Rosen, D-Nev., wrote on X.
A nationwide ground stop issued on Friday by the Federal Aviation Administration disrupted travelers passing through Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, causing hundreds of delays and cancellations as passengers dealt with the sudden disruption. The FAA ground stop began at 12:36 p.m. and lifted at 5:15 p.m., according to the agency.
Data from FlightAware showed that 374 flights were delayed and 295 were canceled at Harry Reid as of 8:25 p.m. on Friday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Southwest Airlines flight to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport was the first commercial aircraft to depart from the Las Vegas airport after skies cleared, taking off at 6:17 p.m.
FAA spokesman Donnell Evans explained in an email to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the stoppage applied to all U.S. airports due to communication issues affecting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers. FAA technicians immediately launched an investigation into the technical failure.
The reopening of the airspace did not immediately end the gridlock. JetBlue Airways and Air Canada announced via social media that they were canceling all remaining flights for the day.
Travelers in Las Vegas faced long lines at ticket and rental car counters while baggage claims remained quiet as incoming traffic slowed. Raymond Delgado, who was visiting for the Latin Grammys, faced an extended wait.
“I went up to the counter, United Airlines, and they told me at least till tomorrow morning,” said Delgado.
Paul Serrate received no updates from the airline regarding his flight to Los Angeles. “Nothing. I’ve been given nothing,” Serrate told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Now I got to weigh if I pay for a hotel or a car.”
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., stated on X that her office would press for answers and transparency regarding the system failure.
Outside the terminals, hundreds of passengers queued at the airport rental car hub on Gilespie Street and Warm Springs Road. Shuttle services operated continuously through the afternoon.
Kayne Carreiro, visiting from Hawaii for a family wedding, arrived at the rental hub at 1 p.m. and found empty lots. “Just no cars whatsoever,” Carreiro said.
Rial Price was midair on a connecting flight from Honolulu to Las Vegas when the ground stop was announced. Upon landing, he discovered his newly booked rental car reservation was canceled due to vehicle shortages. “Now, we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I’m trying to get home to be with my dad, who’s going for emergency surgery,” Price said.
Max Riccio waited outside the rental hub for an Uber ride back to Long Beach, California, anticipating a fare exceeding $500. “I mean, I could get a hotel and stay, but it’s a four-hour drive, and I’d rather be home,” Riccio said.
A nationwide ground stop previously occurred in January 2023 due to a computer system malfunction, following decades without a comparable nationwide halt since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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