'Extraordinary circumstances': US grounds all departing flights over safety concerns

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday issued a national ground stop, citing “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety”. The FAA directed all departing flights to remain grounded until further notice, while inbound international flights would be handled on a case-by-case basis. The agency had earlier announced a ground stop at Chicago O'Hare International Airport due to a communications issue, according to its website. In a statement, the FAA said the nationwide ground stop was necessary “due to extraordinary circumstance and reasons for safety”.This is a developing story