LIVE: Nationwide ground stop issued due to air traffic control communications problems, FAA says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A nationwide ground stop is in effect, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday afternoon. The ground stop was issued “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety,” according to an alert from the FAA at around 4 p.m.Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials said the ground stop is expected to end at 11 p.m. RELATED: Flight canceled or connection missed? What passengers should know after nationwide ground stopThe agency said there was a “telecommunications outage,” and all flights have been halted. They said that every flight has been accounted for. The FAA says inbound international flights will be handled on a case-by-case basis.The FAA has issued a ground stop affecting departures at ATL and other major airports. Departures are temporarily suspended. Travelers should check with their airlines for flight updates. We will provide an update as more information becomes available. Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) N