Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will halt all flights after noon on the Fourth of July to accommodate fireworks and aerial displays.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which has jurisdiction over Reagan National, said Tuesday there will be multiple runway closures and other temporary disruptions to keep airspace clear for various summer events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
On July 3, there will be a block of several hours in the afternoon with no flights, and the airport will halt all flights after noon on July 4, with terminals running at reduced capacity until July 5th, regional aviation officials said.
This will allow for rehearsals, aerial performances and Fourth of July fireworks.
Rehearsals and aerial performances for the Great American State Fair being held on the National Mall will also cause temporary holds and runway closures at Reagan National, starting next Wednesday.
Regional aviation officials said travelers should anticipate measures to be implemented when the fair opens on June 25, for the Military Appreciation Day at the fair on June 28, and for the flyover and parachute jump being held to close out the fair on July 10.
There will also be measures taken on Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 around the Indycar Freedom 250 Grand Prix being held on the National Mall, officials said.
In some cases, flight schedules were already adjusted to avoid periods when airspace will be closed, while other disruptions will be ordered as needed by air traffic controllers, officials said.
United, Southwest and Delta said they have already adjusted their schedules at Reagan National. American Airlines also adjusted its schedule, including pausing its operations at the airport on July 3 from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Reuters.
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