Flights at Washington National Airport to be Halted During July 4 Events
The "Salute to America" Fourth of July celebrations planned by President Trump will affect some travelers this Thursday, whether or not they're planning to watch the fireworks.
The Federal Aviation Administration will suspend flight operations at Washington's Reagan National Airport (DCA) during two windows Thursday evening, closing the airspace to accommodate a flyover of military aircraft and — later — a new location for the launch site of Washington's annual fireworks demonstration.
The first airspace closure is scheduled to run from 6:15pm through 7:45pm for the flyover, which is not a normal July 4 occurrence at the Washington celebration but is being added this year at the request of the president.
The second, which coincides with the fireworks show, runs from 9pm to 9:45pm, according to the agency.
Related: Celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington DC — Things to Know
In a statement, the FAA said "aeromedical and emergency flights will be authorized as necessary. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall and Dulles International Airports will not be affected."
For those scheduled to fly into DCA during those windows, the agency recommends that flyers check with their airlines for flight updates. About 100 combined arrivals and departures are scheduled to operate to or from DCA during those times, according to data from flight-data company FlightStats.
American Airlines, the largest operator at the airport, said it had already reduced its schedule for the holiday based on customer demand.
Beyond American, that Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority that operates the airport also recommended that July 4 travelers check with their airlines for possible changes.
