DC Area airport ground stops: FAA cites issue at Potomac TRACON, DCA still affected

Air travel across the Washington, D.C. region faced sudden disruption Friday evening after a problem at a major air traffic control center forced authorities to halt flights.

The situation created confusion for passengers and airlines alike, especially as the issue impacted multiple major airports at once. While some operations have resumed, delays are still lingering at one key hub.

What caused the ground stop in D.C.?

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop around 6:30 p.m. Friday, affecting airports across the Washington, D.C. area. The disruption was tied to an issue at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control facility, commonly known as Potomac TRACON, as per a report by Fox5DC.

According to the FAA, the halt was triggered by an “environmental issue” at the site. In a statement, the agency said, “The FAA has temporarily stopped traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO), and Richmond International Airport (RIC) because of a strong smell at the Potomac TRACON. Monitor fly.faa.gov for real-time updates."

Which airports were impacted?

The ground stop initially covered several major airports in the region, including Dulles, BWI, and Reagan National. While operations at Dulles and BWI have since resumed, the stop remains in place for Reagan National Airport (DCA).

The Potomac TRACON facility plays a critical role in managing airspace across a wide region. It provides air traffic control services for the Baltimore-Washington corridor and extends coverage to areas like Richmond and Charlottesville. The center also oversees airspace around Joint Base Andrews and several other busy airports, as per a report by Fox5DC.

Located in Warrenton, Virginia, the facility is a central hub for coordinating flights across the region.

Has this happened before recently?

This is not the first disruption linked to the facility this month. A similar incident on March 14 also forced ground stops after what was described as a “strong chemical smell” inside the control tower.

At the time, officials later identified the source. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the odor came from an overheated circuit board. He noted, “Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON. The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced.”

For the latest incident, however, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause. The FAA continues to monitor the situation as travelers deal with ongoing delays, as per a report by Fox5DC.

FAQs

Why were flights stopped in D.C.?
An issue at the Potomac TRACON facility forced the FAA to pause air traffic.

Which airport is still affected?
Reagan National Airport (DCA) continues to face ground stop restrictions.