Breaking · Flights & Access

Two US Airports Lost Air Traffic Links to a Cut Cable in Two Days, Here’s What Your Airline Owes You

Contractors cut fiber lines at Raleigh-Durham on 12 October and Houston on 13 October. Here is what US rules say about refunds, rebooking and delay…

By Kevin Crow · Oct 15, 2026

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Contractors cut fiber-optic lines at two US airports on consecutive days, and the FAA held flights on the ground both times. If your flight was cancelled or badly delayed, US rules entitle you to a refund when you decline the alternative. They do not entitle…

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What happened at Raleigh-Durham on 12 October

RDU lost communications and automation on Monday after a contractor cut a fiber line near the tower. AvWeb reported ABC11 counts of 212 delayed flights and nine cancellations by the afternoon, with average arrival delays above two hours and arrivals…

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What happened at Houston Bush on 13 October

Houston lost "major communications" on Tuesday evening, according to the FAA advisory. A ground stop on inbound flights began at about 5:25 p.m. and was lifted shortly after 8 p.m., and Houston Airports said operations were returning to normal around 9:20…

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What a US airline owes you when the FAA stops flights

You are owed a refund if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative. Federal rules (14 CFR 260.2) count a domestic flight as significantly delayed or changed when it departs or arrives at least 3 hours off…

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How to protect the next connection

If you are flying through a US hub this week, leave a connection of at least two hours and check your flight status the evening before. Ground stops hit inbound flights first, so a delay at the other end can strand you before you ever reach the airport. A…

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I claim compensation for a ground stop delay?

No. US federal rules require a refund for cancellations and significant changes, but not cash compensation for a delay.

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Does the refund apply if I chose to cancel myself?

The automatic refund applies when the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight and you decline the alternative. A voluntary cancellation follows your fare rules.

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