Washington’s Reagan Airport Will Ground Flights for July 4 Events

Ronald Reagan National Airport will be closed to flight traffic after noon on the Fourth of July, the local airports authority announced on Tuesday, as it warned would-be passengers to brace for several interruptions during the Trump administration’s planned events surrounding the nation’s 250th birthday.

Flyovers, parachutists and fireworks over Washington will temporarily force National Airport to occasionally ground flights between late June and late August, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said in a news release. The authority, which manages National Airport and Dulles International Airport, listed the Great American State Fair, which runs from June 24 to July 10; the Grand Prix car race planned for Aug. 22 and 23; and Independence Day rehearsals and celebrations on July 3 and 4 among the events expected to ground traffic.

In some cases, the authority noted, flight schedules had already been changed to accommodate the expected interruptions. But it stressed that more flights could be affected by additional temporary suspensions, and that weather could force other changes to schedules.

Passengers “are advised to closely monitor the status of their flights for adjustments during America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C.,” the announcement said.

“Passengers should double-check flight times and consult with their airline for specific scheduling information,” it added.

National Airport’s terminals and parking garages will remain open during the periods of suspended flights, the authority said. But it did not specify in all cases how long passengers might experience travel delays.

The most significant flight suspensions coincide with the Fourth of July celebrations. In addition to July 4, when National Airport has no flights scheduled after noon, its runways are also expected to be closed to air traffic for several hours in the early afternoon of July 3.

No specific guidance was given for other events.

“Many of the airspace closures are expected to have a limited duration and impact,” the authority said in its announcement.

Temporary airspace closures at National Airport are not without precedent during major celebrations. Last year, the airport’s runways closed to flights during President Trump’s military parade, held on June 14.

But that suspension of air traffic in and out of National Airport lasted only a few hours — far less than what is envisioned for July 4 this year.