Ronald Reagan Airport closed, no impact on Dulles: Check airport's latest advisory from Washington

On the evening of 29 January, 2025, a midair collision between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The FAA confirmed the incident, stating that the regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the helicopter while it was approaching the airport around 9 p.m. local time. The crash took place near the Potomac River, leading to an immediate emergency response.

Reagan Washington National Airport responded quickly to the emergency, halting all takeoffs and landings as rescue operations unfolded. The airport wrote on X, “All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.”



DC Fire and EMS confirmed the small aircraft had gone down in the Potomac River area and fireboats were deployed to the scene to assist in the rescue operations. “Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene,” DC Fire and EMS posted. Authorities also launched a multi-agency search to locate any survivors from the wreckage.

Also Read: Passenger jet and military helicopter collide near Washington; Search operations underway

Reagan National Airport will be closed until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday, Jack Potter, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said at a news conference.

There is no impact to the Washington area’s other airport, Dulles International Airport, he said.

Search and Rescue Operations Intensify

A large-scale search and rescue operation was swiftly put into motion. Emergency crews, including personnel on land and in the air, worked diligently to search the Potomac River for possible survivors. The American Airlines flight, identified as flight 5342, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board at the time of the crash. The authorities, however, have not confirmed any survivors or further details regarding casualties.

Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas shared his concerns on Twitter, stating: “Prayers to the families affected by tonight’s crash.” The federal authorities, including the FAA and local law enforcement, have yet to release any specific details about the condition of the passengers or crew members on board the flight.

In the wake of the tragic incident, American Airlines has set up a toll-free number for individuals who may have loved ones on board flight 5342. The number, 800-679-8215, is available for those seeking more information. People calling from outside the United States can visit news.aa.com for additional contact details. For family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, the same toll-free number can be used for inquiries.

Also Read: Plane Crash captured on Cam: Watch how passenger jet collided head-on with US Army BlackHawk helicopter

Airport Operations Still Affected

As the search and rescue operation continued, Reagan Washington National Airport remained open, but no flights were allowed to take off or land. The halt in operations created a significant disruption in air traffic. Passengers waiting at the terminal were urged to check with their airlines for further information about delays or cancellations.

The authorities have promised to update the public as new information becomes available, and the investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. No official statement has been made regarding potential casualties, and emergency crews are expected to remain on the scene throughout the night.

The crash comes just weeks after another incident involving a small plane at Reagan National Airport. Although unrelated, the frequency of such accidents raises concerns about aviation safety in the region. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safety measures while investigations proceed.

Also Read: Passenger jet collides with US Army Black Hawk helicopter midair: Here's all you need to know