The flights resumed at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, after being temporarily interrupted on Wednesday at the request of the FAA, NBC 5 learns.
A spokesman for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport said just before 5:30 pm “The FAA closed the airspace entering and leaving DFW Airport by 5:00 pm, central time. This is due to a necessary cleanup of sanitization of external facilities of the FAA that control airspace in DFW. This will result in delays or possibly cancellation of flights. Customers are encouraged to monitor flight status panels or contact their airline for updated information. “
Dallas Love Field tweeted before 5:30 pm “Air traffic stop has been suspended. Delays will continue, but operations will resume. Check with your airline for updates on your flight status.”
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on Wednesday that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is closed for all inbound and outbound flights until 5:30 pm. A spokesman for Dallas Love Field Airport also confirmed that all inbound and outbound flights to that airport have also been temporarily disrupted.
The FAA said the delay is happening for several reasons, including storms and COVID-19. A spokesman 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 COVID-19 test has failed among Fort Worth Air Traffic Control Center personnel on several dates this month, including 12/23, 12/28 and 12/30. The FAA also indicates that the control center is operational, but that the facility will be cleaned on Wednesday, from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
https://twitter.com/DFWAirport/status/1344403788489236485?s=20
Daniel Pitts was on American Airlines flight 422 bound for Orlando when the ground stop was made. He told us that the pilot of his plane said that the control tower was not operating due to COVID-19 and that it could take several hours for flights to leave. His plane was sent back to the gate and all passengers were allowed to get off the plane and return to the terminal.
AA Flight 422 passenger Daniel Pitts recorded this video of a gate agent explaining to passengers why they were asked to go to the gate instead of waiting on the plane to Fort Lauderdale that was unable to take off due to a ground stop at DFW Aeroporto.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Refresh this page frequently to get the latest information.