Ground Stop vs Ground Delay Program: What FAA Delay Messages Mean
When the FAA lists a delay for an airport, the message uses a few specific terms. They describe how air traffic managers are protecting a busy or weather-hit airport, not whether your own flight is late.
Ground stop
A ground stop tells airlines to hold flights bound for an airport at their departure gates. It is the strictest tool. It is usually used for severe weather, a runway or equipment problem, or a security event, and it normally has an expected end time that is extended or cancelled as conditions change.
If your flight is heading to an airport with a ground stop, it may sit at the gate at its origin. If you are departing from that airport, you may still leave on time, but arrivals will be limited until the stop lifts.
Ground delay program
A ground delay program spreads arrivals over time so an airport can handle them. Flights are given a later departure time at their origin, which is cheaper and safer than letting them circle. Programs often start when thunderstorms or low cloud reduce the number of arrivals a runway can handle each hour.
The average delay shown in the message is an average across flights. Individual flights can wait much longer or not at all.
Departure and arrival delays
Departure delay and arrival delay messages describe the typical wait the FAA is seeing for planes taking off or landing, for example because of volume or weather. They are less formal than a ground stop and are useful as an early warning.
What to do
Check your airline app or website first, because the airline knows about your specific aircraft and crew. Use the FAA status on the airport page to understand why delays are happening and how widespread they are.
If your connection looks tight, ask the airline about rebooking before you land rather than after you miss the flight. Where a program applies to your destination, consider leaving later for the airport rather than waiting at the gate.