Travelers heading to Washington, D.C., this weekend might face major travel disruptions at the airport.
On Saturday, June 14, the United States Army is celebrating its 250th birthday with a parade through the nation’s capital, as well as a military flyover. As such, the FAA is restricting airspace around downtown D.C. for the event, specifically at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is the closest hub to the city’s center.
“In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, the FAA will issue Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for the Washington, D.C., area to ensure safety and security during the Army's 250th Anniversary Celebration,” the agency said.
The FAA will stop all arrivals and departures at DCA from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., according to the agency’s website. The celebration, which also falls on President Trump’s birthday, is slated to kick off at 6:30 p.m. with the military parade and flyovers, followed by a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.
“Customers with flight reservations for the evening of June 14 should check the status of their flights directly with their airline,” Reagan National Airport’s site advises.
Airlines are also issuing travel waivers for travelers who want to avoid the flight disruptions. The following carriers are allowing passengers flexibility to change their flights into DCA this weekend, with change fees waived: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Be sure to read each airline’s travel waiver policy carefully, as they all state specific dates when rebooked travel has to begin or end. In addition to changes to flight dates and times, all of the carriers are also allowing travelers to select a different airport in the D.C. area, including Baltimore (BWI) or Washington Dulles (IAD). Delta, Southwest, and United are all waiving fare differences, however American states that a difference in fare may apply to rebooked tickets.
Travelers should also be advised that road closures before, during, and after the event will affect traffic throughout the D.C. area. “From Friday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 15 at 6:00 a.m., the George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions between U.S. 50 and I-395,” according to Reagan National Airport’s site.
Airline passengers heading to the airport on the days before and after the military parade should expect heavy traffic delays and increased travel times to reach DCA. The airport recommends travelers use Metrorail to reach DCA from Friday, June 13, through Monday June 16.
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