Ground stop lifted, delays continue at DC-area airports after 'equipment outage'

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. 

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.