Santa Barbara Airport departures put on hold as FAA investigates air traffic control communications problems
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Santa Ynez Valley residents traveling through Santa Barbara Airport faced interrupted flight plans Friday, Nov. 13, after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide halt on departures because of air traffic control communications problems. The federal order extended to Santa Barbara Airport, placing departures on hold and creating uncertainty for travelers with connecting flights. A verified count of flights delayed or canceled at the airport was not available for this report.
The FAA directed departing aircraft to remain grounded until further notice. Aircraft already airborne could land, while international flights would be handled individually, Reuters reported.
For residents of Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and surrounding communities, the disruption could affect trips beginning at Santa Barbara Airport as well as return flights from airports elsewhere in the country.
Passengers should check directly with their airlines for departure updates, connection information and rebooking options. Santa Barbara Airport maintains an online arrivals and departures board with flight information updated in real time.
The nationwide restriction also raised questions for pilots and aircraft operators using Santa Ynez Airport. Regional transportation planning documents identify Santa Ynez as a general aviation airport, while Santa Barbara Airport provides commercial airline service. The number of individual flights affected at Santa Ynez had not been independently confirmed.
Nationally, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the communications problem affected regional air traffic control centers responsible for guiding aircraft between airports. FAA technicians were investigating, and officials had not announced a confirmed time for flights to resume, according to The Associated Press.
Friday’s interruption marked the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when an FAA computer system malfunction disrupted departures across the country, AP reported.
Travelers can check Santa Barbara Airport’s arrivals and departures board and their airline’s website or mobile app for updates.
This is a developing story. Flight restrictions and airline schedules may change as officials address the communications disruption.