US FAA: Ground stop lifted for all 3 Washington area airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a regional ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) following an investigation into a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON facility in Virginia. The TRACON, which manages airspace for multiple regional airports, had earlier triggered the ground stop on March 13, 2026, causing widespread flight delays and diversions.

During the disruption, Dulles International Airport reported departure delays exceeding 90 minutes, while Reagan National Airport experienced a 30% delay rate. The FAA stated that air traffic controllers were temporarily relocated to a training facility, with reduced radar capabilities expected to prolong congestion and delays even after the ground stop was lifted. Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Philadelphia International Airport were also affected by related operational constraints.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in air traffic management, particularly in high-traffic regions. While the FAA did not disclose the cause of the chemical odor, officials emphasized that safety protocols were followed to mitigate risks. The agency continues to monitor system performance, with potential adjustments to flight operations depending on staffing and infrastructure stability. Passengers and airlines are advised to remain vigilant for further disruptions as the FAA evaluates long-term solutions for such incidents.