Air travel into Phoenix faced disruptions Sunday morning after federal officials temporarily halted incoming flights due to deteriorating weather conditions.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for all departures headed to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at approximately 8:15 a.m. MST. The decision came as low visibility and unstable weather created unsafe conditions for arriving aircraft.
Officials initially projected the halt would remain in effect until 10 a.m., though they cautioned there was a moderate likelihood the delay could be extended if conditions failed to improve.
Even as inbound flights were paused, departures from Sky Harbor were also feeling the strain. Average delays for outbound flights had already reached around 15 minutes by mid-morning, with expectations that wait times could increase as congestion builds.
Weather appears to be the primary driver behind the disruption. The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported that strong winds sweeping across the Valley—fueled by high pressure over the Southern Plains—could reach speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. Those gusts, combined with reduced visibility, have complicated flight operations at one of the region’s busiest travel hubs.
Travelers heading to or from Phoenix are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates as conditions continue to evolve.
