News

UPDATED: Ground stop at National Airport after report of drone in the area

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 2:45 p.m.) Departures from Reagan National Airport are delayed as a result of a ground stop caused by an unauthorized drone in the area.

The ground stop went into effect around 1 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration website, though as of 1:45 p.m. it appears to have been lifted.

Departure delays were averaging 30 minutes as of 1:45 p.m. per the FAA.

Information about the DCA ground stop from the FAA

The ground stop and delays follow reports of someone flying a drone in the area. Drone flights are generally prohibited in the airspace surrounding D.C. and in a manner that interferes with airport operations.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s helicopter was seen circling over part of Alexandria, south of the airport, apparently in search of the drone and its operator.

In addition to the departure delays, there have also been reports of arriving flights being diverted to Dulles International Airport.

The airport said on social media that normal operations resumed at 2:15 p.m. following the earlier drone sighting.

Matt Blitz and Alan Henney contributed to this report

Author

  • Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.

    View all posts