Ground Stop Causes Major Disruptions at Orlando Airport

A Ground Stop is never a good sign, especially for an airport as busy as the Orlando International Airport. Don't miss the details on what is happening now at the airport that's causing traveler frustration.

Ground Stop

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A Ground Stop is a traffic management initiative requiring aircraft that meet specific criteria to remain on the ground at their origination airport. The Ground Stop may be airport specific, related to a geographical area, or equipment related.

A Ground Stop is a traffic management initiative requiring aircraft that meet specific criteria to remain on the ground at their origination airport.

Ground Stops are implemented when air traffic control is unable to safely accommodate additional aircraft in the system. They are most frequently used for severely reduced capacity situations. These include weather, major equipment outages, and catastrophic events.

Ground Stop Issued

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Many travelers were concerned that the cold weather could affect their flights this weekend, but no one expected a Ground Stop due to a fire alarm.

Around 3:30 pm, a fire alarm alerted the Orlando International Airport Fire Rescue at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Air Traffic Control Tower.

The FAA issued a Ground Stop due to a "possible fire". The entire Air Traffic Control Tower was evacuated.

Affects of Ground Stop

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Thankfully, the reason for the alarm was a sprinkler malfunction due to the cold weather.

Ground Stop was issued at 3:30 pm for a "possible fire".

Although this created a delay that sent ripples throughout MCO, the Ground Stop was lifted at 4:15 pm.

Have you experienced a ground stop delay while traveling? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

Source: National Business Aviation Association

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!