A sudden nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) threw the American sports world into logistical chaos just ahead of a packed weekend schedule. Due to communications issues at regional air traffic control centers, all departing flights across the United States were halted for more than four hours. The disruption left several professional and collegiate franchises stranded on airport tarmacs, including the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. While flights gradually resumed late Friday night, several college football programs—including Alabama, Auburn, and North Texas—opted to charter buses for long-distance road trips rather than risk missing their Saturday kickoffs.
About the Author
