Flights expected to return to normal by Sunday night after nationwide ground stop, FAA says. Here’s what to know

Updated on: November 15, 2026 / 7:19 AM EST / CBS News

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said air travel should resume normal operations by Sunday night after a rare national ground stop lasted more than four hours on Friday, causing chaos in the nation's airports as thousands of flights were canceled and travelers were stranded.

Airspace across the United States slowly began returning to normal on Saturday after a rare national ground stop canceled thousands of flights and stranded travelers, with a full schedule expected by Sunday night.

"I do think the worst is behind us," Bedford said at a news conference Saturday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a news conference Saturday, "We are back at full operations."

He thanked the pilots, airline staff, air traffic controllers and the FAA for their professionalism during the ground stop.

"They safely landed all of our aircraft," he said, also thanking the passengers for their patience during the significant disruption.

"Planes are pushing back, taxiing, and taking off, and it is safe to fly," Duffy said earlier in a social media post on Saturday. He's scheduled to appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sunday.

"You will continue…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/