Flights Resume at DFW, Love Field Airports after FAA Ground Shutdown, Delays Expected – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Flights have now resumed at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field after being temporarily halted Wednesday at the request of the FAA, NBC 5 has learned.

A spokesperson for the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport said just before 5:30 p.m.: “The FAA closed the airspace in and out of DFW Airport until 5:00 p.m. Central time. This is due to Mandatory sanitation cleaning of offsite FAA facilities controlling airspace in DFW. This will result in delayed or possibly canceled flights. Customers are encouraged to monitor flight status boards or contact your airline for get up to date information. “

Dallas Love Field tweeted just before 5:30 pm “The air traffic stop has been lifted. Delays will continue, but operations are resuming. Check with your airline for updates on your flight status. ”

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on Wednesday that the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport was closed for all inbound and outbound flights until 5:30 p.m. A spokesperson for Dallas Love Field Airport also confirmed that all flights arrivals and departures from this airport have also been temporarily interrupted. .

The FAA said the delay was happening for several reasons, including thunderstorms and COVID-19. A spokesperson confirmed that the regional air traffic control center is being cleaned up and that is one of the reasons for the delays.

FAA information shows that at least one failed COVID-19 test among Fort Worth air traffic control center personnel on several dates this month, including 12/23, 12/28 and on 12/30. The FAA also says the control center is operational, but the facility will be cleaned Wednesday between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Daniel Pitts was on American Airlines flight 422 to Orlando when the ground stop came into place. He told us that the pilot of his plane said the control tower was not functioning due to COVID-19 and that it could be several hours before flights were allowed to depart. His plane was returned to the boarding gate and all passengers were allowed to get off the plane and return to the terminal.

Daniel Pitts, passenger on flight AA 422, recorded this video of an agent at the gate explaining to passengers why they were asked to show up at the gate instead of waiting on their plane to Fort Lauderdale who could not take off due to a ground stop at DFW. Airport.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Please update this page regularly for the latest information.