AEW Full Gear 2026 at risk of major disruptions as FAA ground stop leaves wrestlers stranded
(Courtesy : AEW)
AEW PPV seems to be facing a big obstacle.
AEW is gearing up for one of its biggest pay-per-view events of the year, but a nationwide flight shutdown in the United States created an unexpected travel headache for the promotion ahead of AEW Full Gear 2026.
With several matches featuring top stars scheduled for Saturday night, the company faced the possibility of some wrestlers failing to reach Phoenix in time for the show.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a nationwide ground stop on departing flights on Friday, November 13, following a communication failure affecting air traffic control centres.
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AEW wrestlers stranded ahead of Full Gear 2026 due to FAA flight shutdown
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, several wrestlers were stranded after the FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop on departing flights. While some members of the roster had travelled directly to Phoenix following the November 11 Dynamite and Collision tapings, others were still waiting to board their flights.
Alvarez reported that the longer the shutdown continued, the greater the possibility of major delays and wrestlers missing the pay-per-view altogether.
He also revealed that some personnel had been informed that the ground stop might remain in effect until 8 PM on Friday, which would have created a significant problem for Tony Khan’s promotion.
“Regarding the FAA grounding all flights, many AEW wrestlers flew to the PPV straight from Dynamite, but others haven’t left yet and are stranded. The longer this goes the greater the likelihood of major delays and people not making it there at all.”
The FAA introduced the restrictions following a telecommunications outage that affected air traffic control centres across the country. The agency had not officially confirmed the suggested 8 PM resumption time, leaving travelling wrestlers and other personnel uncertain about their schedules.
The travel difficulties were not entirely new for the promotion. During his November 12 Full Gear media call, Tony Khan revealed that several wrestlers had arrived late for the November 11 television tapings because of flight disruptions following the Chris Jericho Cruise. The company had to make last-minute adjustments to accommodate the delayed arrivals.
As the FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop on November 13, there was a bit of relief for the promotion’s activities. Nevertheless, airlines continued dealing with delayed flights and cancellations, meaning some travelling personnel could still encounter difficulties reaching Phoenix.
Matches announced for AEW Full Gear 2026
Despite the travel uncertainty, AEW Full Gear 2026 remains scheduled for November 14 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The event features several major championship bouts, headlined by Will Ospreay defending the AEW World Championship against Kyle Fletcher. Mercedes Moné will also put her Women’s World Championship on the line against Marina Shafir.
Both men’s and women’s tag team championships will be defended, while Hangman Page, Brody King and Bandido face Swerve Strickland and The New Level for the World Trios Championship. Tommaso Ciampa will battle Ilja Dragunov for the National Championship.
The card also features Anarchy in the Arena and a three-way TBS Championship match. Betting odds favour most champions, but several challengers could defy expectations.
Why were AEW wrestlers stranded ahead of Full Gear 2026?
Several AEW wrestlers faced travel difficulties after the FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop on departing flights on November 13 due to a telecommunications outage affecting air traffic control centres.
Has the FAA lifted the nationwide flight shutdown?
Yes. The FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop on November 13, allowing domestic flights to resume. However, airlines continued to experience delays and cancellations.
Will AEW Full Gear 2026 take place as scheduled?
Yes. AEW Full Gear 2026 remains scheduled for November 14 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. There has been no confirmed cancellation or change to the announced match card.
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