Editor's Note: This article has been updated to clarify which flights were affected by the ground stop and the timeline of events.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for Nashville-bound aircraft on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, amid thunderstorms. The restriction held affected flights at their origin airports before departure for Nashville International Airport (BNA); it did not halt departures from BNA.
Aircraft already airborne could continue arriving. Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Media Relations Manager Erin B. Thomas clarified that flights continued departing from BNA while aircraft that had not yet departed for Nashville were held at their origin airports. Contemporary FOX 17 coverage, citing BNA, likewise stated that airborne flights could arrive and Nashville-bound aircraft still at their origin airports were delayed.
The ground stop was issued at 3:27 p.m. and lifted at 5:18 p.m., according to WSMV's May 22, 2024, report, which included the airport's announcement that the restriction had ended.
The FAA explains that ground stops hold flights destined for an affected airport at their departure points. Travelers can consult the FAA's National Airspace System Status website for active restrictions and contact their airlines for individual flight information.
