**Actors Tyriq Withers and Daniel Kaluuya Share Experience at Stranded Airport Amid FAA Ground Stop**
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On November 13, travel plans came to a halt for many passengers across the United States when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a nationwide ground stop, affecting approximately 1.5 million travellers. Among those caught in the disruption were actors Tyriq Withers and Daniel Kaluuya, who found themselves stranded at Eugene Airport in Oregon.
During an impromptu interview with KVAL News, Withers and Kaluuya shared their thoughts on the unexpected delay while waiting for flights back to Los Angeles. The pair were interviewed by reporter Gold Meadows, who approached them while covering the situation affecting numerous passengers at the airport.
Withers, known for his role in the film *Reminders of Him,* initially expressed gratitude for the FAA’s decision to prioritise safety. “So today we were headed back to Los Angeles and we got on the plane and we had to deboard, unfortunately. I just want to thank God, [and the] FAA, [for] really protecting us,” he stated. His comments hinted at the recent mid-term election results, connecting the event to a wider sense of security.
The actor didn’t shy away from humour during the interview, referencing a viral news clip from 2015. With a cheeky expression, he said, “But I really feel like, it’s really upsetting me and my home girl because if you can’t go to the airport, what the hell can you go?” This line, a clever adaptation of a past interview, elicited laughter from Kaluuya, who found the moment amusing.
Kaluuya, acclaimed for his roles in films such as *Get Out* and *Black Panther*, shared his perspective on the disrupted travel plans. “I feel grateful,” he said. “Obviously, it’s an inconvenience, but I feel grateful. I feel grateful because it could have happened any other way.” The actor emphasised the importance of safety and reflected positively on the situation, noting that the FAA’s decision likely saved lives.
Their light-hearted banter continued as Withers playfully prompted Kaluuya to join him in forming the letter ‘O’ with their hands, symbolising their current location. The moment drew laughter from Meadows as they all engaged in the spontaneous act of camaraderie.
The FAA’s action was described as a rare occurrence, only the second nationwide ground stop imposed since the events of September 11, 2001. The directive was issued shortly before 4 p.m. EST, citing “extraordinary circumstances and safety reasons.” This level of disruption is uncommon in the aviation sector, and officials made the decision in the interest of passenger and crew safety.
By the evening, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the airspace had been reopened, allowing flights to resume after nearly four hours of inactivity. The prompt response, however, did not come without speculation, as media outlets questioned the reasons behind the sudden halt in air traffic.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed concerns regarding the possibility of a cyber attack, stating, “We’ve seen zero evidence that this was a cyber attack.” His comments aimed to reassure the public amidst the growing uncertainty surrounding the travel disruption.
As Withers and Kaluuya’s interview circulated online, it not only highlighted the challenges faced by travellers but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. Their playful interactions amidst the delays brought a sense of levity to a frustrating situation, illustrating that even in times of inconvenience, there are opportunities for connection and amusement.
In the end, both actors demonstrated that maintaining a positive outlook can make all the difference when faced with unexpected delays. Their viral moment at Eugene Airport serves as a poignant example of how recognising the light-hearted side of life can provide solace in testing circumstances.
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