Nationwide ground stop puts San Luis Obispo airport departures on hold

By Atascadero News · Fri Nov 13 2026

Federal order also covers Paso Robles as communications problems interrupt air travel across the country

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Departures from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport were placed on hold Friday, Nov. 13, under a nationwide Federal Aviation Administration ground stop prompted by air traffic control communications problems. For Atascadero and other North County residents traveling through the regional airport, the interruption created uncertainty over departure times and connecting flights. A verified count of local delays and cancellations was not available for this report The FAA ordered departing aircraft to remain grounded until further notice. Aircraft already airborne could land, while international flights would be handled individually, Reuters reported.

Passengers using San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport should check directly with their airlines for flight status, connection information and itinerary changes. The county’s airport information page provides access to arrivals and departures and directs travelers to their carriers for details about individual flights.

The nationwide order also covered Paso Robles Municipal Airport. Unlike San Luis Obispo’s commercial airport, Paso Robles serves general aviation, including business, personal and recreational flights. The city reports that charter services are available, but the airport has no scheduled airline service. The number of individual flights affected in Paso Robles had not been independently confirmed.

Nationally, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the communications issue affected regional air traffic control centers responsible for guiding aircraft between airports. FAA technicians were investigating the disruption, according to The Associated Press.

The interruption was the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when an FAA computer system malfunction halted departures across the country, AP reported. A confirmed time for normal departures to resume was not immediately available.

Local travelers can monitor arrivals and departures at sloairport.com.

This is a developing story. Flight restrictions and airline schedules may change as officials address the communications disruption.