FAA Chief Reveals What Triggered Nationwide Flight Disruptions

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explains what caused the FAA system disruptions that affected air traffic, forcing a nationwide ground stop. Duffy says routine maintenance involving the replacement of outdated copper telecommunications lines with fiber-optic technology triggered a cascade of connection attempts that disrupted communications with aircraft and radar feeds.

Duffy says investigators are still determining whether contractor error or faulty equipment was responsible, but officials do not believe the incident was caused by a cyberattack. He also details the FAA's ongoing modernization efforts, including upgrades to communications systems, radar technology and control towers, and calls on Congress to provide additional funding to modernize America's air traffic control system.