Source: FAA NAS Status. For information only. Check with your airline for your own flight.
The list above shows every airport-wide delay the FAA is reporting right now: ground stops, ground delay programs, arrival and departure delays, and closures. It refreshes every minute. For your own flight, your airline's app has the final word.
What each delay type means
Ground stop
Flights headed to the airport are held on the ground where they are until the stop ends. It's the strongest tool, used when an airport suddenly can't take more arrivals, for example during a thunderstorm over the field.
Ground delay program
Instead of stopping traffic, departures to a busy airport get later takeoff times so arrivals are spread out. You'll see an average and maximum delay. Waiting at the gate is safer and saves fuel compared with holding in the air.
Arrival and departure delays
Flights are taking longer than normal to land or take off, usually shown as a range like 16 to 30 minutes, and sometimes whether it's getting better or worse.
Airport closures and GA-only notices
A full closure stops all operations, for example for runway work or an emergency. Many notices only limit private and charter (general aviation) flights at busy airports, and those don't affect airline passengers.
Why delays happen
Most air traffic delays come from weather: thunderstorms, low clouds and fog, strong winds, or snow and ice. Others come from traffic volume at peak times, runway construction, or equipment outages. The goal of every program is the same: keep each flight safely separated, even when the sky gets crowded.
The people working your delay
Behind every ground stop and delay program are air traffic controllers and traffic management specialists rerouting flights, reshuffling arrival times and keeping everyone safely apart. If you're stuck waiting, it's a great moment to thank them. Find the tower, approach control or center that handled your flight and leave a note on its wall. It's free and takes about 30 seconds.
Common questions
What is a ground stop?
A ground stop means flights headed to a particular airport are held on the ground at their departure airports until the stop is lifted. It's used when the destination can't safely accept more arrivals for a while, often because of storms, low visibility, or an equipment problem.
What is a ground delay program?
A ground delay program slows the flow of flights into a busy airport by giving departing flights a later takeoff time. Instead of circling in the air, aircraft wait on the ground at their origin. The FAA lists the average and maximum delay assigned.
How do I know if my own flight is delayed?
Check with your airline or its app first. This page shows airport-wide programs from the FAA, which affect many flights at once, but your airline has the latest on your specific flight, crew and aircraft.
Why is my flight delayed if the airport isn't listed here?
Many delays come from the airline itself: crew schedules, maintenance, a late incoming aircraft, or gate availability. The FAA list only shows delays caused by the air traffic system, such as weather and traffic volume.
Where does this information come from and how often is it updated?
It comes from the FAA's public National Airspace System status feed (nasstatus.faa.gov). Thank ATC checks it every minute. It's for information only and isn't an official FAA product.
What does 'closed to some private (GA) flights' mean?
Some busy airports limit unscheduled general aviation, meaning private and charter aircraft, at certain times or require prior permission. Airline flights aren't affected by these notices.