The Federal Aviation Administration issued floor stops for a number of airports within the Washington, D.C., space Friday night due to a “strong smell” at an air site visitors management tower.
Temporary floor stops have been issued for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport and Richmond International Airport, the FAA spokesperson mentioned.
The floor stops for Dulles and BWI have been lifted by 8.15pm, however stay in place for DCA.
The odor was reported on the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control, or TRACON, in Warrenton, Virginia, an company spokesperson instructed The Independent.
FlightAware reveals that greater than 150 flights have been delayed at Baltimore’s airport to date on Friday. More than 180 flights have additionally been delayed at Dulles, together with greater than 250 flights at Reagan National, in keeping with the monitoring web site.
This comes about two weeks after a “strong odor” was reported on the identical air site visitors management middle, triggering floor stops at close by airports. More than 30 FAA staff have been evaluated, however none wanted to be taken to the hospital.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned the March 13 incident was attributable to 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,” he wrote on X. “The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced.”
Passengers in Washington-area airports reported prolonged delays within the aftermath.
This is a breaking information story. Check again for updates.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/washington-airports-faa-ground-stop-b2947456.html