Irish passengers due to travel to the United States on Saturday 14 November 2026 are being advised to contact their airline after the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop affecting airports across the country.
The Department of Transport said it had been informed that the FAA introduced the measure on the evening of Friday 13 November. The situation was continuing to develop, with US authorities assessing international flights individually.
What the US airports ground stop means for passengers
A ground stop generally means that aircraft may be temporarily prevented from departing for affected destinations or airports. The Department of Transport said some flights already travelling to the US were being allowed to land, but decisions were being made on a case-by-case basis by the US authorities.
That means passengers should not assume that a scheduled service will operate as planned. Flight status information may change, so travellers should use their airline’s official channels before leaving for the airport.
Advice for people travelling from Ireland
- Check the status of the flight directly with the airline.
- Look for updates before travelling to the airport.
- Follow any instructions issued by the airline about delays, cancellations or rebooking.
- Allow for possible disruption to onward connections and other travel plans.
The Department has not provided further details about the cause, expected duration or full operational impact of the US airports ground stop. Those details may depend on announcements from the FAA, individual airports and airlines.
Department of Transport says situation is evolving
The government department described the circumstances as an evolving situation. Its advice applies specifically to passengers scheduled to travel to the US on Saturday 14 November, who should seek the latest information from their airline rather than rely solely on their original itinerary.
International aviation disruptions can affect departures, arrivals, connecting flights and airport operations at short notice. Passengers with concerns about tickets, accommodation or missed connections should first contact the airline or booking provider responsible for their journey.
Key takeaway for travellers
The US airports ground stop is being managed by US aviation authorities, while international flights are being considered individually. Anyone due to fly from Ireland to the United States should check directly with their airline and continue monitoring updates before travelling.
