A nationwide FAA ground stop caused hours of delays and confusion for travelers flying between Hawaii and the mainland, though it's now been lifted.

• A nationwide ground stop tied to air traffic controller safety concerns delayed mainland-bound flights out of Honolulu, with some held up to two hours.
• Inter-island flights in Hawaii kept running normally, but West Coast flights briefly stopped a second time because of debris from a SpaceX launch.
• Some passengers described tense moments in the air, with one plane circling for three hours before its flight was ultimately canceled.
• The ground stop lifted around 3pm, but officials warn delays could keep rippling through the evening.

Outlook: Travelers heading to or from Hawaii should check with airlines before heading to the airport, as lingering delays are expected.