Normal operations have resumed at the Terrence B. International Airport after the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a ground stop, which affected US mainland-bound flights departing the Virgin Islands on Friday, November 13, 2026. Photo: Internet Source

Regarding the FAA ground stop, passengers are advised that some disruption to schedules for U.S. mainland-bound flights may still be possible. Photo: BVIAA

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) is advising the travelling public that a ground stop has been issued by the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), currently affecting US mainland-bound flights departing the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVIAA

American Airlines confirmed that its scheduled evening flights for tonight, November 13, 2026, to Miami have been cancelled. Photo: Internet Source

The government of the Virgin Islands said it is aware of the nationwide ground stop issued by the FAA, which has resulted in disruptions to air travel across the United States on November 13, 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

"We are operating as normal," Acting CEO of the BVI Airports Authority, Mr Clive Smith, confirmed to our news centre this morning, Saturday, November 14, 2026. 

The BVIAA said the airport is open and fully operational. 

The ground stop caused the cancellation of the American Airlines flight to Miami from the Virgin Islands on Friday evening. Regional flights were not affected. 

The FAA said it issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following communication issues impacting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centres. The ground stop was lifted around 8:00 PM Friday. 

United States Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin pointed to FAA updates to those ageing systems as the reason behind the halt. He added the ground stop did not stem from a threat to the US and was not linked to this week’s disruptive Microsoft outage.

U.S. mainland-bound flights may be disrupted 

"Regarding the FAA ground stop, passengers are advised that some disruption to schedules for U.S. mainland-bound flights may still be possible. Passengers travelling to the U.S. mainland are encouraged to check directly with American Airlines for the latest flight status and any changes to their travel arrangements before making their way to the airport," the BVIAA added. 

The Authority said it continues to work closely with airlines and relevant aviation authorities to monitor developments
and minimise any inconvenience to passengers.

The BVIAA added that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and thanks
the travelling public, airline partners and stakeholders for their continued patience, cooperation and understanding.

See previous article published November 13, 2026

FAA grounds all US mainland-bound flights- BVIAA

-AA confirmed this evening’s flights to Miami cancelled; regional flights not affected 

BEEF ISLAND, Tortola, VI- The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) is advising the travelling public that a ground stop has been issued by the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), currently affecting US mainland-bound flights departing the Virgin Islands. 

In a bulletin issued this evening, Friday, November 13, 2026, the BVIAA said American Airlines confirmed that its scheduled evening flights for tonight to Miami have been cancelled. Passengers are encouraged to contact the Airline directly for the latest flight status and any changes to their travel arrangements.

BVIAA is also working closely with American Airlines and relevant aviation authorities to monitor developments, facilitate flight operations as clearance becomes available, and minimise disruptions to passengers.

The notice added that the BVI Airports Authority continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers.

The Authority also thanked the travelling public, airline partners and stakeholders for their patience, cooperation and understanding.

The BVIAA assured that regional flights are not impacted by the FAA ground stop and continue to operate as scheduled. 

VI gov’t monitoring too 

Meanwhile, the government of the Virgin Islands in its own notice said it is aware of the nationwide ground stop issued by the FAA, which has resulted in disruptions to air travel across the United States. 

The government said the situation is being monitored, and travellers are encouraged to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules. Further information regarding any impact on travel to and from the Virgin Islands will be communicated through the official pages of the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and the BVI Airports Authority. 

The government encouraged the public to follow these channels for verified updates as information becomes available.