The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted departing flights countrywide on Friday due to technical problems with its air traffic control communication systems, CBS News reported.
The technical failure disrupted air traffic control operations across the country, preventing aircraft from receiving clearance to take off. Approximately 7,000 flights were delayed or canceled as a result.
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged the public not to panic, saying there was no evidence that the disruption was caused by a deliberate attack.