Air Traffic Alert: Ground Stop at Orlando International Airport (MCO) Due to Launch Debris

The decision to enact this Ground Stop reflects a collaborative effort under the Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) process to ensure aviation safety amid potential hazards posed by launch debris.

Texas/Florida- The Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) has issued Advisory 084, effective immediately, announcing a Ground Stop for all flights destined for Orlando International Airport (MCO) due to the presence of space launch debris. While the launch occurred in Texas, debris scattered over the Bahamas, close to Florida.

Image: A Falcon 9 rocket launches a satellite at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Aug. 3, 2023.

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This measure, implemented on March 6, 2025, at 23:54 UTC and scheduled to last until March 7, 2025, at 02:00 UTC, affects a wide range of departure facilities, including second-tier Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) such as Atlanta (ZTL), Washington (ZDC), New York (ZNY), Houston (ZHU), Jacksonville (ZJX), Fort Worth (ZFW), Cleveland (ZOB), and Boston (ZBW).

Decision To Enact Ground Stop Ensures Aviation Safety Amid Potential Hazards Posed By Debris