By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/watch-homeland-security-secretary-mullin-says-faa-flight-stoppage-isnt-another-9-11 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Homeland Security Secretary Mullin says FAA flight stoppage 'isn't another 9/11' Nation Nov 13, 2026 6:00 PM EST Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said there are no indications of an attack against the nation, after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights nationwide Friday afternoon due to communications problems. Watch Mullin's remarks in the video player above. All flights in the air are accounted for, he said during a news conference, adding that the public has no reason to be afraid. READ MORE: FAA grounds all flights at U.S. airports due to air traffic control communications problems The FAA's ground stop order runs through at least 11 p.m. ET Friday. The ground stop was being imposed "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety," according to the notice from the FAA. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a communications issue was affecting the regional air traffic control centers that direct planes between airports nationwide.…
WATCH: Homeland Security Secretary Mullin says FAA flight stoppage 'isn't another 9/11'
In short
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a nationwide ground stop lasting through at least 11 p.m. ET due to communications problems affecting centers directing planes between airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed technicians are actively investigating the root cause of the regional control breakdown. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly assured travelers that the incident was not an attack, noting all airborne planes were tracked safely. The disruption represents the first systemwide stoppage since a major computer malfunction occurred in January 2023.
Key points
- Homeland Security officials confirmed there is no evidence of an attack and emphasized al…: Homeland Security officials confirmed there is no evidence of an attack and emphasized all airborne aircraft remain fully accounted for.
- Systemwide ground stops remain extremely rare, having occurred only once in 2023 and prev…: Systemwide ground stops remain extremely rare, having occurred only once in 2023 and previously during the September 11 terrorist attacks.
- Federal transportation authorities initiated the temporary flight halt strictly due to ex…: Federal transportation authorities initiated the temporary flight halt strictly due to extraordinary circumstances and necessary safety protocols.