NBC 5 has learned that flights at both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field are temporarily suspended at the request of the FAA.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Wednesday that the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is closed to all incoming and outgoing flights until 5:30 p.m. A Dallas Love Field airport spokesman also confirmed that all incoming and outgoing flights at the airport have also been temporarily suspended. .
The FAA said the delay occurred for several reasons, including thunderstorms and COVID-19. A spokesman confirmed that the local air traffic control center was being cleaned and that was one reason for the delays.
FAA information shows at least one failed COVID-19 test among staff at the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Center on several dates this month, including 12/23, 12/28 and 12/30. The FAA also indicates that the control center is in operation, but that the facility will be cleaned on Wednesday between 15:00 and 17:30
Daniel Pitts was on American Airlines flight 422 to Fort Lauderdale when the ground stop was in place. He told us that the pilot of his plane said that the control tower was not working due to COVID-19 and that it could take several hours before flights could depart. His plane was sent back to the gate and all passengers are allowed to get off the plane and go back to the terminal.
AA Flight 422 passenger Daniel Pitts recorded this video of a gate agent explaining to passengers why they were asked to come to the gate instead of waiting for their plane en route to Fort Lauderdale due to the ground stop at DFW could not take off. Airport.
This is an evolving story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Refresh this page regularly for the latest information.