What "grounded" means and why it happens

A ground stop means the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered all aircraft at an airport to stay on the ground and not take off. Planes already in the air can land, but nothing new leaves until the FAA lifts the order. This is different from a delay — a delay means the flight will still go, just later. A ground stop means flights are not moving at all until conditions change.

Ground stops happen for a few specific reasons. Severe weather — thunderstorms, heavy snow, or fog so thick pilots cannot see the runway — is the most common cause. Air traffic control system failures or staffing shortages can also trigger a ground stop, as can runway damage, debris on the tarmac, or a security incident at the airport. The FAA issues the order to prevent accidents and keep the system from becoming dangerously congested.

A ground stop usually lasts between 30 minutes and a few hours, though severe weather can extend it longer. The FAA lifts the order once the hazard passes or the problem is fixed, and then flights resume in the order they were scheduled.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA website (faa.gov) and the Flight Delay Information System show active ground stops by airport code in real time.
  • Your airline's website or app will show your specific flight status — ground stops affect all carriers at that airport equally.
  • Ground stops usually last 30 minutes to a few hours, but severe weather can extend them longer.
  • If your flight is grounded, contact your airline directly for rebooking options; they cannot rebook you until the ground stop lifts.

How to check if a specific airport has a ground stop

The fastest way to confirm a ground stop is the FAA's Flight Delay Information System, found at faa.gov/air_traffic/delays/. Enter the airport code (for example, JFK for New York, ORD for Chicago, LAX for Los Angeles) and the page will show whether a ground stop is active, what type it is, and how long it has been in effect.

You can also check your airline's website or mobile app directly. Log in, enter your flight number or confirmation code, and the app will display your flight status. If a ground stop is active, the status will say "Delayed" or "Grounded" and often includes the reason — weather, air traffic control, or equipment issue.

FlightAware (flightaware.com) and FlightRadar24 are third-party tracking sites that also show ground stops and real-time flight status. These sites pull data from the FAA and can be useful if your airline's app is slow to update.

What happens to your flight during a ground stop

Once a ground stop is issued, your aircraft cannot push back from the gate or taxi to the runway. If your flight was already boarding, that stops. Passengers already on the plane typically stay seated or are asked to deplane and wait in the terminal, depending on how long the airline expects the stop to last.

Your airline will not automatically rebook you to another flight during a ground stop — there is nowhere for those flights to go either. Once the FAA lifts the order, the airline will resume flights in priority order: usually aircraft that have been waiting longest go first, followed by scheduled departures. Your airline will contact you with a new departure time once the ground stop ends and your flight is cleared to go.

If the ground stop lasts several hours and your flight is cancelled as a result, you have the right to a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight at no extra charge. This is true under U.S. Department of Transportation rules regardless of whether the airline calls it a weather delay or a mechanical issue.

When to contact your airline

Contact your airline as soon as you know a ground stop is affecting your flight. Call the customer service number on your ticket, use the airline's app, or visit the airport ticket counter if you are already there. Have your confirmation code ready.

Ask the airline three things: when they expect your flight to depart once the ground stop lifts, whether you can be rebooked on an earlier flight to a different airport if one becomes available, and what your options are if the ground stop lasts so long that your flight is cancelled. Some airlines will put you on a competitor's flight if yours will not go out that day.

If you are at the airport, the airline will usually provide updates every 30 minutes or so. If you are at home, check your airline's app or website every 15 to 20 minutes — ground stops can end quickly once conditions improve, and you want to know your new departure time as soon as it is posted.

Ground stops versus other types of delays

A ground stop is a complete halt ordered by the FAA. A ground delay is different — it means the FAA has told your airline that your flight will not be allowed to depart until a certain time, but the aircraft can still move around the airport and board passengers. A ground delay usually lasts one to three hours and is less disruptive than a full ground stop.

A tarmac delay means your plane is already on the runway or taxiway but cannot take off. This happens when weather clears enough to taxi but not enough to fly safely, or when air traffic is so heavy that the runway is full. Tarmac delays are usually shorter than ground stops — 15 minutes to an hour — but they are uncomfortable because you are stuck on the plane.

All three are different from a standard delay, where your flight is straightforward scheduled to leave later than planned but will eventually go. If you see "Delayed" on your airline app without mention of a ground stop or ground delay, your flight is expected to depart, just not on time.

What causes ground stops most often

Severe weather is responsible for the majority of ground stops. Thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, or lightning make it unsafe for planes to take off or land. Winter weather — heavy snow, ice on runways, or blowing snow that reduces visibility — also triggers stops. Fog so thick that pilots cannot see the runway (called low visibility) can ground flights for hours.

Air traffic control staffing shortages or system outages cause ground stops less often but can affect large regions. When a major control center loses staff or equipment fails, the FAA may issue ground stops at multiple airports to prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed.

Runway damage, debris (such as a lost tire or cargo), or a security incident at the airport can also trigger a ground stop while the problem is addressed. These are usually shorter — 30 minutes to an hour — because the issue is localized to one airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a ground stop usually last?

Most ground stops last between 30 minutes and two hours. Severe weather can extend them longer — thunderstorms might ground flights for three to four hours if the system is slow to move. The FAA lifts the order as soon as the hazard passes or the problem is fixed, and airlines resume flights when ready.

Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled because of a ground stop?

Yes. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if your flight is cancelled and you do not want to be rebooked, you can request a refund of your ticket price. The airline must offer this regardless of the reason for cancellation, including weather-related ground stops.

Will my airline automatically rebook me if a ground stop cancels my flight?

No. Your airline will offer to rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge, but you must contact them to accept. Call customer service, use the app, or visit the ticket counter. Ask about flights to your destination on other airlines if your carrier has no seats available that day.

Can I see which airports have ground stops right now?

Yes. The FAA's Flight Delay Information System at faa.gov/air_traffic/delays/ shows all active ground stops by airport code. You can also check your airline's website or app, or use FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to see real-time status for any airport.

What is the difference between a ground stop and a ground delay?

A ground stop means no flights can depart at all. A ground delay means flights can depart, but not until a specific time set by the FAA. Ground delays usually last one to three hours and are less disruptive because boarding and other preparations can continue.