Update:
FAA lifts nationwide ground stop on American Airlines flights after technical issue.
American Airlines announced a nationwide grounding of its flights due to a significant technical issue, creating chaos for travelers on one of the busiest days of the holiday season. While the airline has not disclosed specific details, some reports indicate a software outage affecting the calculation of weight and balance requirements for aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the grounding in a public advisory, with the airline working to address the problem but unable to provide an estimated resolution time. As travelers face delays and uncertainty, American Airlines assured customers that safety remains its top priority. The disruption comes as the FAA expects approximately 30,000 flights across all carriers on Holiday Eve, compounding the impact on travel. Shares of the airline fell as much as 5.5% in premarket trading.