FAA Issues Ground Stops at Orlando, Fort Lauderdale Airports Due to Severe Thunderstorms

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued multiple ground stops and delays at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport due to severe thunderstorms, impacting hundreds of flights. Initial ground stops at Orlando were set from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern, with subsequent delays extending into the evening, including a ground delay from 3:50 p.m. until nearly 11 p.m., as continuous showers and stronger localized storms are expected. These weather disruptions have caused average departure delays of 15 to 30 minutes, with potential for longer waits, and travelers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates. The grounding affects numerous air traffic control regions and both arrivals and departures, with specific runway configurations in use at Orlando to manage traffic flow. Passengers are encouraged to prepare for extended waits, adjust travel plans accordingly, and stay informed via airline apps and official FAA updates. The weather conditions present ongoing challenges for travelers heading to Orlando, especially those visiting popular destinations such as Disney World.