UPDATE at 3:17 pm – The FAA now says flights to and from Wilmington (ILM), Myrtle Beach International (MYR) and Charleston International (CHS) airports are resuming.
UPDATE at 2:43 pm – The balloon has been downed by the U.S. military and an operation is now underway to recover the debris.
—Original Post Below—
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a ground stop for three airports in the Carolinas as a suspected Chinese spy balloon (right) floats through the area. The FAA also restricted airspace near Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, North Carolina.
“The FAA has paused departures to Wilmington (ILM), Myrtle Beach International (MYR) and Charleston International (CHS) airports to support the Department of Defense in a national security effort,” according to the statement from the FAA.
During a ground stop, all planes must stay on the ground.
The notice comes as the balloon has been spotted over parts of the Carolinas.
