FAA lifts nationwide ground stop for American Airlines flights

A nationwide ground stop for American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve morning has been lifted.

"American Airlines reported a technical issue this morning and requested a nationwide ground stop. The ground stop has now been lifted," the Federal Aviation Administration stated following the disruption Tuesday morning.

The FAA issued the ground stop earlier in the morning at the request of American Airlines.

“We're currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights. Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we'll have you safely on your way to your destination,” American Airlines initially posted on X in response to a passenger whose plane from St. Louis to Miami was delayed. 

When the disruptions were first reported it was unclear how long the ground stop would be in place.

“Our team is currently working to get this done. An estimated timeframe has not been provided, but they're trying to fix it in the shortest possible time," a second reply to the passenger stated.

The FAA urged passengers to contact American Airlines for any further updates once the ground stop was lifted.