Drone and Weather Balloon Ground Flights at San Diego Airport
A drone and weather balloon spotted near San Diego International Airport on Friday afternoon prompted a ground stop for several hours, delaying over 400 flights. Departures were later cleared to resume at their own risk.
Flights at San Diego International Airport were grounded for several hours on Friday afternoon after a drone and a weather balloon were spotted in nearby airspace. The objects were seen around 2:00 p.m. local time on September 4. A ground stop stayed in effect until about 4:30 p.m., and more than 400 flights were disrupted.
Departures did eventually resume, though pilots were cleared to leave at their own risk, according to reports. The decision reflected ongoing uncertainty about the airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration typically issues such clearances when a hazard cannot be fully confirmed as gone.
The incident hit one of California's busiest airports. Travelers dealt with significant delays and cancellations. The airport advised passengers to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
No injuries or damage were reported. The source of the drone and balloon was not immediately known. The event is under investigation.
Sources
- simpleflying.comSan Diego Departures Cleared "At Their Own Risk" After Drone Grounds 400+ Flights