On Tuesday 13 October 2026, the FAA ordered a ground stop for Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) because of low ceilings as storms continued across metro Phoenix. Azcentral reported the stop took effect at about 6:30 a.m. local time and was scheduled through at least 8 a.m.; ABC15 said the advisory for departures from select areas expired around 8:30 a.m., while FAA airport status listed the weather program through 9:00 a.m. MDT. Sky Harbor’s site showed dozens of delays and only a couple of cancellations after the stop lifted. This is a new low-ceiling morning after Monday’s thunderstorm ground stop already covered.
What travellers saw
When PHX is gated for low ceilings, inbound banks compress once the stop lifts and residual weather metering can linger. Carriers and the airport site remain the source of truth for individual flights; desert storm cells can rebuild ceilings and re-trigger holds.
If the schedule is critical
If you cannot wait for the weather program and residual delays to clear, a private jet or empty leg into an alternate Arizona field may be workable once the airspace reopens. Rahizi qualifies the brief and returns partner options.
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Facts from ABC15 Arizona and Azcentral / The Arizona Republic coverage of the FAA ground stop on 13 October 2026. Always verify with your carrier.