Roads & Transit · Atlanta

Flying out of Atlanta today? Hundreds of flights still canceled after ground stop

By Terminus Roads Desk · Edited by Channing Webb · Nov. 14, 2026, 7:30 a.m. ET

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Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport face another day of disruptions Saturday as airlines, led by Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, try to get planes and crews back where they belong after Friday's nationwide ground stop.

As of 7 a.m. Saturday, the airport had 399 cancellations and 98 delays, and the vast majority were Delta flights, according to FlightAware data reported by Atlanta News First. Nationwide, 3,738 flights had been canceled.

What happened Friday

The Federal Aviation Administration halted departures from U.S. airports Friday afternoon after what it called a telecommunications outage at air traffic control facilities. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the FAA lifted the stop at 8:15 p.m. ET Friday, after nearly five hours.

Delta said Friday night that flights had started departing again but that it would take time to reset its operation, including positioning aircraft and crews. When a cancellation occurs, Delta says it automatically rebooks customers to the next best itinerary.

How Delta's waiver works

Delta's air traffic control outage waiver applies systemwide to travel scheduled for Nov. 13 or Nov. 14 on tickets issued on or before Nov. 13, according to the airline's advisory page.

Travelers can change their flight at no cost as long as they make the change and the new flight departs on or before Nov. 21. Delta says the fare difference is waived when the new trip is in the same cabin as the original booking, though a difference may apply if the original booking class is sold out. Changing the origin or destination can also cost more.

Travelers who would rather not fly can cancel and receive a Delta eCredit. If Delta canceled your flight and you decide not to travel, U.S. Department of Transportation rules say you are entitled to a refund, so compare that option before accepting a credit.

Before you head to the airport

Delta asks customers to monitor flight status in the Delta app or on delta.com, where changes can be made under My Trips. Check any connection and any separate ticket on another airline before you leave home. If you expect a long wait at the gate, a portable phone charger can help keep your boarding pass and rebooking app running.

Driving instead? GDOT also has a full weekend closure on part of I-285 on the west side. See our I-285 west side closure guide and the latest Atlanta roads and transit news before you go.

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