Reagan National Airport chaos: New FAA rule halts flights for Marine One

• New airspace restrictions at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, tied to President Trump’s travel, are causing significant flight disruptions and delays. The FAA imposed stricter controls after a midair collision on Jan. 29, requiring commercial flights to hold or divert when Marine One is in the air.
• The restrictions have forced flights to circle in holding patterns or divert to other airports, with delays of up to 60 minutes expected during presidential travel.
• Airlines are adapting by carrying extra fuel and warning pilots of extended delays, while officials prioritize safety amidst ongoing investigations.

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New airspace restrictions tied to President Donald Trump’s travel are causing major disruptions at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, according to The Washington Post. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed stricter airspace controls following a midair collision on Jan. 29, between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet, which resulted in 67 fatalities.

The updated rules require air traffic controllers to hold commercial air traffic when Marine One — the president’s helicopter — is taking off or landing at the White House. The new restrictions have forced flights to circle in holding patterns, divert to other airports or experience significant delays.

What changes did the FAA make?

Before the crash, air traffic controllers at the airport used “visual separation,” a process that allows pilots to spot and avoid nearby aircraft. However, following the collision, the FAA eliminated this practice. Now, all aircraft must maintain “radar separation,” requiring at least 1.5 miles of lateral distance or 500 feet of vertical separation between flights.

Because Reagan is already a highly congested airport with limited airspace, the new restriction significantly limits flight operations, particularly when Marine One or other helicopters supporting the president are in the air.

How severe are the flight delays?

Flight tracking data shows that the impact has been significant. On Feb. 14, when Trump left for Florida, at least 30 commercial flights were forced to hold in the air, unable to land. Nine flights had to divert to other airports in Virginia and Maryland, including Dulles and BWI.

Passengers caught in the delays described confusion and frustration as they scrambled to rebook flights, find alternative transportation or adjust their travel plans. Some flights had already started their approach to National before being rerouted due to “VIP movement” in the airspace.

The FAA issued an advisory that day, warning travelers to expect delays of up to 60 minutes whenever presidential travel is underway.

How are airlines responding to the restrictions?

American Airlines, one of National’s largest carriers, advised its pilots to carry additional fuel in case they are forced into extended holding patterns.

A company memo obtained by The Washington Post warned pilots that delays could last at least 20 minutes. Tracking data shows some flights were delayed for nearly an hour. Previously, flights at National were briefly paused for presidential travel, but the new FAA policy has significantly worsened wait times, and increased diversions to alternate airports.

What are officials saying about the changes?

The FAA said these restrictions are necessary for safety, citing longstanding concerns over congested helicopter traffic near the White House.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered the new measures to remain in place until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes its preliminary investigation into the Jan. 29 crash.

The White House has not commented on the disruptions. The Marine Corps, which oversees presidential flights, said it is following all FAA regulations.