This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On the Fourth of July, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will experience two ground stops, halting flight operations for a total of nearly two hours. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the ground stops to accommodate military flyovers and the city's fireworks display.
The first ground stop is scheduled from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. ET to allow for military flyovers as part of the Independence Day parade and celebrations in the capital, requested by President Donald Trump. The second ground stop, from 9 to 9:45 p.m. ET, is due to the city's fireworks display, which will be launched from the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park.
According to Business Insider, the fireworks display was moved to the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park to accommodate a White House celebration at the Lincoln Memorial during the parade. This new site will cause the fireworks to interfere with the airspace surrounding the airport.
Reagan airport has briefly suspended flight operations in the past for flyovers, but never on the Fourth of July. The two ground stops seem to be unprecedented for the holiday.
Airport officials have warned passengers on flights scheduled to depart or arrive during the windows to expect delays. However, most airlines expect a minimal impact, thanks to reduced overall traffic on the holiday.
