FAA Ground Stop Leaves Brooks Nader’s LSU Plans Uncertain

Nader was scheduled to attend LSU’s game against the Texas Longhorns and appear at a Fred’s Bar and Bumble takeover in Baton Rouge. She posted an Instagram Story from what appeared to be a private jet, flashing a peace sign and writing, “See y’all tomorrow!!!!!” alongside a countdown clock. TMZ reported that she was safe but stuck on the tarmac; whether her plane departed that night was unclear.

The game carried several milestones: LSU was playing its final regular-season home game, and Texas was visiting Tiger Stadium for the first time since 1953, according to LSU Athletics. The school planned to honor its seniors and retire former quarterback Bert Jones’ jersey at halftime. Kickoff was scheduled for 6:45 p.m. local time Saturday.

The FAA imposed the ground stop after communications problems affected multiple regional air traffic control centers. Departures were held while the agency worked to restore service. By early evening, it was coordinating takeoffs as individual facilities recovered. Sources told TMZ that Nader’s pilots had little information to share while the jet was on the tarmac, and the outlet reported that a Friday-night departure appeared unlikely.

Other travelers shared updates from different stages of the disruption. “Bachelor” alum Kaitlyn Bristowe posted from an airport, saying, “I’m just sitting here having a Guinness, and we don’t know why. What is going on? I’m scared. I need to get home.” She later called the Friday-the-13th delay “spooky.” Fitness influencer Jen Selter told TMZ her flight had taken off about an hour before the announcement. She said the pilot stayed calm and kept passengers informed.

The FAA lifted the nationwide stop Friday evening, after about five hours. The Associated Press reported that at least 827 flights were diverted and more than 3,000 aircraft landed safely. Officials said they had found no evidence of a cyberattack and were still investigating the cause. Departures could resume, though airlines still needed to reposition planes and crews.