Airlines are working to dig out from what AP calls the longest nationwide US ground stop in 25 years, with more than 2,000 US flights cancelled on Saturday 14 November, according to an AP report carried by ABC News.
AP's description is consistent with the record. The only earlier nationwide ground stop since 9/11 was in January 2023, and it lasted under two hours. Friday's stop was issued at 3.44pm or 3.54pm ET and, according to AP, lifted around 8.15pm ET, a span of more than four hours. A limited number of domestic flights departed after it was lifted, AP says.
AP also reports that officials expect the system is likely to be operating normally in time for the Thanksgiving travel rush. It does not name the officials. AP says the effects could be felt for days.
That is a longer timescale than the one Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gave on Friday evening. He said he expected recovery to stretch into the weekend, depending on whether crews, pilots and flight attendants are available.