Telephone Equipment Failure Triggers Ground Stops at Dallas Airports

Lead Flights at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field were halted and delayed Friday afternoon after a telecommunications equipment failure at the Dallas Terminal Radar Approach Control disrupted air traffic control operations.

Nut Graf The Federal Aviation Administration said a local telephone company’s equipment outage severed communications and radar feeds critical for managing arrivals and departures. The incident, which began around midday, forced ground stops and significant delays at both airports, affecting hundreds of flights.

Delays Mount as Ground Stops Enforced

• Departures from Love Field were held for more than an hour, with average delays of 30-35 minutes, while DFW arrivals faced ground stops and delays exceeding one hour.
• Meacham, Alliance, Addison, McKinney, Arlington and Dallas Executive airports also experienced metered arrivals under the FAA’s regional delay protocol.

Communications Breakdown at TRACON FAA spokespersons confirmed the failure did not involve FAA-owned equipment but stemmed from the telephone provider serving the Dallas TRACON facility. Controllers reported a total loss of phone lines and radar displays, prompting “one-in, one-out” operations once communications were partially restored.

Airlines Respond to Widespread Disruption American, Southwest and other carriers advised passengers to check flight statuses and are rebooking impacted travelers. Southwest noted inbound flights to Love Field were held at origin airports, and some flights were diverted.

Ongoing Investigation and System Modernization The FAA is working with the telephone company to identify and repair the faulty equipment. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for congressional support to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system, highlighting persistent technology failures this year.

Outlook for Travelers The FAA anticipates delays may continue into Friday evening. Travelers are urged to consult airline notifications for updates and accommodation options.