Flights delayed at ILM amid nationwide FAA ground stop
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Air travel across the country was thrown into chaos around 4 p.m. on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights because of a communications problem at air traffic control centers.
The FAA said the problem is affecting air route traffic control centers which manage flights traveling across the country.
The agency said flights should remain grounded until further notice while international flights will be handled on a case by case basis.
The shutdown has left thousands of travelers waiting for answers including people in the Cape Fear region.
Several planes which were preparing for takeoff at Wilmington International Airport are now on standby.
According to ILM’s website, more than a dozen arriving and departing flights were delayed Friday evening.
ILM Airport Director Jeff Bourk explained what’s going on at the airport.
“What’s going on is, is happening on a national level,” Bourk said. “And our towers following the national ground stop and we’re waiting an update from FAA. The airlines are notifying their customers. So that’s how they’re getting notified, just like any delay would occur. So that’s how passengers on board commercial flights right now their flights are just being delayed, just like would happen for anywhere. But that’s happening on a national scale right now because there’s a nationwide ground stop in effect. There’s communication failures and other things happening. So the FAA made the determination to put a ground stop in place that doesn’t come from us. So we’re just complying with that ground stop.”
Ryan Carey arrived at ILM Airport at 3 p.m. for a 6 p.m. flight. He decided to go back home.
“Right now it says 7:30 but the plane that I’m supposed to be on hasn’t left New York yet. So it’s got to come from New York to here first, so that’s why I feel comfortable going home being able to come back,” Carey said.
Other passengers could also be seen leaving the terminal gates as their flights were delayed.
An ILM Airport spokesperson said travelers are encouraged to check flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport. Airlines will have the most up to date flight information.
