Ground stop lifted, delays continue at DC-area airports after 'equipment outage'
Flights delayed at DC-area airports following ground stop
Many flights were delayed at Reagan, Dulles and BWI airports Friday night after the FAA issued a ground stop that lasted hours. Now, many travelers are just hoping to get to their destinations. FOX 5's Shomari Stone is at DCA with more.
WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted a ground stop that was issued for all flights out of D.C.'s major airports Friday afternoon.
What we know:
Flight delays are expected throughout the evening at Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport as a result of the temporary stop.
The FAA's website stated that Reagan, Dulles and BWI all experienced an "equipment outage."
The FAA has clarified that the stops were due to a "strong chemical smell" impacting the local air traffic control facility.
What they're saying:
The FAA issued a statement Friday afternoon. They say the ground stop is due to a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON.
"The FAA has temporarily stopped traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) because of a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON that is impacting some air traffic controllers. Monitor fly.faa.gov for real-time updates," the statement reads.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later posted on X, saying the smell was caused by an overheated circuit board.
"Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON. The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced," he wrote.
Dig deeper:
According to the FAA, the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control (TRACON) PCT provides air traffic control service to the Baltimore-Washington and the Richmond-Charlottesville areas.
They control the airspace over Joint Base Andrews, BWI, Reagan, Dulles, Richmond and many other area airports.
The facility is located in Warrenton, Virginia.