What Travelers Should Know About the Washington, D.C.-area Flight Disruptions on June 14

Travelers might want to look closely at their airline itineraries along the East Coast in the coming weeks, as a major airport is planning to restrict flights later this month. 

On June 14, officials will restrict airspace at Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA) due to a special military parade taking place in the nation’s capital. Ground traffic in Washington, D.C., is also expected to be impacted due to road closures and military flight paths. 

“To accommodate aircraft flyovers along the parade route, followed by a fireworks display, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to suspend airline operations at DCA, affecting scheduled flights,” a representative for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport shared on its website.

Even if Washington, D.C., isn’t a traveler’s final destination, airline passengers should keep in mind that connections at Reagan Airport could also be disrupted due to the flight restrictions. A senior government official reportedly told NBC News that the ground stop is expected to impact 116 flights.

Reagan Airport encourages passengers to reach out to their individual airlines and make accommodations to rebook if they are flying to the airport on the evening of June 14. For people traveling by car, the airport provides guidance to utilize public transportation if they need to get to the airport amid the road closures. 

“There could be some disruption to the airspace at times,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement. “We don’t know when that is, but that could affect, for short periods of time, air travel.”

There were no published advisories for other nearby airports, such as Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles is located farther away from Downtown D.C. than Regan Airport, which is less than three miles from the National Mall.

The parade is in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the Army, which was founded on June 14, 1775. 

“Attendees will experience 250 years of Army heritage through historical U.S. Army personnel reenactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, impressive flyovers, and military bands participating in this landmark event,” the event website shares. 

The programming is scheduled to run from 6:30 p.m. EDT through 9:30 p.m. EDT. The parade takes place in Washington, along Constitution Avenue between 15th Street and 23rd Street.