A nationwide ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration has disrupted travel for several collegiate football programs.
The Tennessee Volunteers are currently unable to depart for their scheduled matchup against Texas A&M in College Station, according to Yahoo Sports.
The team was originally set to depart Knoxville at 4 p.m. on Friday.
A university spokesperson confirmed the status of the travel arrangements to reporters.
“Per a UT spokesperson, Tennessee football’s plane did not take off before the ground stop and is still here in Knoxville,” the outlets reported.
Additional reports from the scene indicate that the team remains at the airport.
“Tennessee buses at TYS. Football team is stuck on the runway,” noted local observers on social media.
The travel issues are not limited to the Volunteers, as the Texas Longhorns also face delays.
Texas had planned to travel to Louisiana for a scheduled night game against LSU, per reporting from the Austin American-Statesman.
It remains unclear when the Tennessee football team will be able to resume their travel plans to reach Kyle Field.
The Volunteers are currently scheduled to face the Aggies for a 2 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.
The nationwide ground stop has affected various flight operations across the country throughout the day.
Officials have not provided a specific timeline for when normal flight operations will resume for the affected athletic programs.
The situation remains fluid as travel logistics are adjusted to accommodate the unexpected FAA mandate.
Updates regarding the team’s arrival in College Station are expected as more information becomes available.
The university continues to monitor the situation closely while awaiting clearance for the flight.