FAA issues ground stop at airports in DC, Baltimore

A ground stop was issued for three major airports in the greater Washington, D.C., area on Friday evening due to reports of a “strong odor” at the Potomac air traffic control facility, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

“@FAANews is working to address the source of a strong odor coming from Potomac TRACON that is impacting operations at the three airports,” Duffy wrote on the social platform X.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) have grounded flights until at least 8 p.m. EDT, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Richmond International Airport (RIC) was also included in the ground stop order.

Departures from DCA were delayed by an average of 1 hour and 37 minutes as of Friday evening, according to FlightAware. Dulles was experiencing a 1-hour and 48-minute delay, and BWI had an average delay of 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor the FAA’s status page for updates.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

More Transportation News

Bessent's interview halted for urgent talks in Situation Room: ‘The president ...

Trump says US destroyed every military target on Iran’s Kharg ...

Judge rules Trump administration unlawfully refused to request CFPB funding

98-year-old federal judge suspended for mental fitness appeals to Supreme Court

House Republicans threaten to oppose Senate bills until SAVE America Act passes

Republicans, Democrats warn Trump administration against pulling US troops from ...

Trump confirms giving officials dress shoes: ‘I don’t want my Cabinet ...

Powell called these 13 lawmakers as DOJ opened criminal probe

Trump officials erupt at CNN over report on surprise over Strait of Hormuz ...

Hegseth orders ‘ruthless, no-excuses’ review of military legal offices

Judge quashes grand jury subpoenas of Fed, Jerome Powell in renovations probe

Landmark housing bill overwhelmingly passes Senate, faces uncertain future in ...

Lawmaker who accused Trump of Kennedy Center snub missed invite in spam folder

Judges decline to extend acting Virginia U.S. attorney’s tenure 

Top Iranian official responds to Hegseth’s claim leaders ‘hiding’ like ...

Grenell exits Kennedy Center; Trump picks new executive director

Leavitt pushes back against report of FBI warning of Iran threat to California

FAA issues ground stop at airports in DC, Baltimore

© The Hill