FAA Grounds DC Flights Amid Strong Odor at Potomac Control Tower
Federal Aviation Administration officials issued a ground stop Friday after staff at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal Radar Approach Control reported a strong smell. The FAA confirmed the action to Filmogaz.com and listed the reason as “environmental.”
What happened
The hold began at 6:32 p.m. Eastern. Air traffic into and out of the Washington region was paused while the odor source was investigated.
The Potomac TRACON handles approach and departure services for multiple regional airports. Authorities described the incident as a strong odor affecting the facility.
Airports affected
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)
- Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Other nearby fields also saw interruptions. The ground stop covered much of the DC metro airspace.
Operations and impact
The temporary pause meant some DC flights were delayed on the ground. Airlines and passengers experienced schedule disruptions across the region.
Reports noted long airport lines during the same period. A partial government shutdown has paused paychecks for many TSA workers, straining operations.
Previous similar event
Two weeks earlier, another episode caused delays after a strong chemical odor was reported at the Potomac TRACON. That event also prompted operational pauses.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Officials have not publicly released a definitive source for the odors.
The FAA grounds action underscores risks when an air traffic control facility is compromised. Authorities said they will restore normal operations once safety is assured.
