Ground Stop Issued for Denver Airport Due to High Winds

Flights grounded as Front Range faces dangerous fire conditions

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Denver International Airport issued a ground stop late Tuesday morning due to high winds in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration said there is a 15-minute arrival delay at the airport, which is expected to increase, and departures have been grounded. The ground stop is in place until 12:15 p.m. with a 30-60% chance it will be extended.

Why it matters

High winds and dry conditions have created a dangerous fire risk across the Front Range, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning. The ground stop at Denver's major airport will disrupt travel plans for many passengers and impact the regional transportation network.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, winds are expected to reach between 25 and 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 80 miles per hour. A High Wind Warning is in place for much of the Front Range through 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration said the ground stop is in place until 12:15 p.m. and there's a 30-60% chance that it will be extended.

  • The ground stop was issued late Tuesday morning.
  • The High Wind Warning is in place through 6 p.m. Tuesday.
  • The ground stop is in place until 12:15 p.m.

The players

Denver International Airport

The major airport serving the Denver metropolitan area and the state of Colorado.

Federal Aviation Administration

The agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

National Weather Service

The scientific agency of the United States government that is responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather warnings.

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What’s next

The FAA will continue to monitor the wind conditions and decide whether to extend the ground stop beyond 12:15 p.m.

The takeaway

This ground stop highlights the significant impact that extreme weather can have on critical transportation infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued investment in resilience measures to ensure the reliability of air travel in the face of climate change-driven weather events.