Tim McGraw was forced to cancel his performance at the Hondo Rodeo Fest in Phoenix after a nationwide Federal Aviation Administration ground stop prevented him from travelling to the city.
Fans at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix were told on Friday night that the country singer would not appear as scheduled. McGraw had been due to headline the opening night of the three-day event.
The FAA issued the ground stop after communications problems affected multiple air traffic control centres across the United States. The agency said the disruption involved systems used to communicate with aircraft and manage radar information.
Although flights were later allowed to resume, the delays meant McGraw could not reach Phoenix in time for his set. Event organisers announced the cancellation around two hours before he was expected to perform.
Miranda Lambert, who had been scheduled to appear before McGraw, extended her performance to help cover the gap. The decision offered some consolation to concertgoers, although many fans said they had attended expecting to see both artists.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest said all Friday ticket holders would be offered a complimentary ticket to Sunday night’s event at Chase Field. Sunday’s programme is due to feature Parker McCollum and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The FAA said the ground stop was lifted after technicians addressed the communications failure, but warned that delays and cancellations could continue as airlines worked through the backlog.
