KABUL (Pajhwok): Around 5,000 flights were cancelled and more than 10,000 delayed in the United States due to a problem with the air traffic control system. Although the nationwide flight suspension order was later lifted, an additional $30.1 billion has been requested to modernise the country’s ageing aviation system.
According to Reuters, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday ordered a nationwide suspension of flights due to a problem with its air traffic control communications system.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said technical problems had affected air traffic control centres responsible for monitoring flights in different parts of the country.
Citing flight-tracking website FlightAware, National Public Radio (NPR) reported that by 8pm on Friday, US time, more than 10,000 flights had been delayed and around 5,000 others cancelled across the country.
The FAA lifted the flight suspension order after about four hours. However, disruptions to flight schedules meant that it would take time for air transport operations to return to normal.
Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said preliminary information indicated that the problem had been caused by a disruption in the communications system. He added that no evidence had so far been found suggesting that the incident was the result of a deliberate attack.
According to Reuters, the US air traffic control system has for years faced challenges involving outdated equipment, communications problems and a shortage of skilled personnel.
The agency reported that the US Congress approved $12.5 billion in July 2025 to modernise the system and increase the number of air traffic control personnel.
However, on November 13, the White House and the US Department of Transportation requested an additional $30.1 billion from Congress to modernise the air traffic control system and airport infrastructure.
According to Reuters, $10.1 billion of the requested funding is intended for modernising the air traffic control system, while $18 billion is earmarked for airport-related projects.
The report said equipment dating back several decades was still being used in the US air traffic control system.
Reuters reported that this was the second time since the September 11, 2001 attacks that a nationwide flight suspension order had been issued in the United States.
In January 2023, the FAA also ordered a halt to domestic flights following a problem with one of its computer systems.
The exact amount of direct financial losses caused by the latest incident has not yet been announced. However, the widespread flight disruption has once again highlighted the need to modernise the US air traffic control system.
