YYJ monitoring potential flight delays as US grounds flights nationwide

Travellers heading to or expecting flights at Victoria International Airport (YYJ) are being encouraged to check their flight status following a major disruption to air travel across the United States on Friday.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday, November 13th, after a communications outage affected air traffic control operations across the country.

The disruption has prompted YYJ to monitor the situation and determine whether local flights could be impacted.

In a statement, airport officials said they are closely following developments.

“We are aware of reports of a ground stop affecting flights in the United States and are currently looking into the situation to determine whether there are any impacts to operations at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). We are monitoring developments and will provide further information as it becomes available.”

The airport added that passengers should contact their airlines directly for the latest information about their flights.

According to The Associated Press, the ground stop was issued after communications problems affected 22 regional air traffic control centres responsible for directing aircraft travelling between airports throughout the US.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that FAA technicians were investigating the outage. The FAA described the decision to halt departures as a precautionary safety measure while officials worked to address the communications problems.

“Every agency that has an asset involved in this…. we’re all working together…The President took a lead in this immediately and he gave us the assets and the communication to move forward in a fast way.” @SecMullinDHS https://t.co/QMgScsbl6j

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 13, 2026

US Homeland Security Secretary, there is no indication that the disruption was caused by a malicious attack, describing the incident as a telecommunications outage.

According to the Associated Press, the last such disruption occurred in January 2023, when a malfunction involving a critical FAA computer system temporarily halted departures across the country.

While YYJ has not confirmed widespread local disruptions, flights arriving from American airports or passengers travelling through US connections could experience delays.

There has been a temporary telecommunications outage – out of an abundance of caution all flights have been halted. Every flight has been accounted for and international flights will be handled on a case by case basis.

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 13, 2026

Those expecting friends or family arriving from the US are encouraged to confirm their flight’s status before heading to the airport.

The disruption could also have a ripple effect on airline schedules as carriers work to manage delayed aircraft and connecting passengers.

(1/2) Air Canada is aware of the nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The ground stop is impacting flights to and from the United States. Flights to and from the Caribbean and South America may also be impacted.

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) November 13, 2026