BREAKING: All flights have been halted at several major airports near Washington, D.C., due to a strong chemical odor detected at a nearby air traffic control facility. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced this urgent ground stop affecting Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), as well as Richmond International Airport (RIC), just moments ago.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the FAA issued the ground stop after air traffic controllers reported being affected by the odor at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control (Potomac TRACON), which oversees arrivals and departures for multiple regional airports. In a tweet, Duffy stated, “@FAANews is working to address the source of a strong odor coming from Potomac TRACON that is impacting operations at the three airports.”
According to preliminary FAA reports, air traffic was stopped to ensure the safety and well-being of air traffic controllers. Affected operations include both incoming and outgoing flights at the mentioned airports. Some departures have reportedly resumed, but significant delays and operational restrictions are expected to continue until around midnight as crews work to resolve the situation.
The FAA’s National Airspace System status website indicates that while some flights are returning to normal, travelers should prepare for ongoing disruptions. Passengers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and to allow extra time for potential delays.
This sudden interruption in flight operations highlights the critical role of air traffic control in maintaining air safety and efficiency. The impact of this ground stop could ripple through the entire air travel network, affecting passengers and airlines.
Officials are actively investigating the source of the odor, with safety as their top priority. As this situation unfolds, travelers and those planning to fly in and out of the affected airports should stay informed for updates. Further announcements from the FAA and Secretary Duffy are anticipated as they work to restore normal operations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.