American Airlines has grounded all its flights in the US because of an unspecified technical issue.

The operator hasn't said why it's taken the action but Christmas Eve travellers could face significant disruption.

It claims it's trying to fix the problem in the "shortest possible time" but can't say when that will be.

The Federal Aviation Authority says the airline is reporting a technical issue and has requested a nationwide stop.

Main image: An airplane prepares to land. November 5, 2018. (Photo by Silas Stein / dpa / AFP)