www.zerohedge.com By Tyler Durden
In a highly unusual move, the FAA ordered a brief full ground stop at all West Coast airports due to a ballistic missile launch by North Korea. The halt in flights reportedly lasted about five to seven minutes Monday afternoon, according to Newsweek, which broke the story. The missile launch occurred in the morning hours of Tuesday North Korea time.
The stops were observed from southern California up to Portland. In reference to San Diego International Airport, a major hub where planes were ordered briefly grounded, Newsweek describes, “Sabrina LoPiccolo, spokeswoman for the airport, told Newsweek that the airport was instructed by air traffic of a national ground stop about 2:30 p.m. Pacific time. No reason was given for the stop, which lasted about five to seven minutes, she said.”
It’s as yet unclear why exactly the order was given, but may have something to do with reports that this latest launch featured a North Korean projectile that reached Mach 10, possibly sparking momentary alarm at NORAD. It was reported to have traveled about 700km and landed in the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula.
