Air travelers will face significant disruption as the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) confirmed that runways will be closed for much of July 3 and 4.
The interruption is to accommodate celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
No flights will operate from National Airport after noon on July 4, and there will also be a few additional closing hours in the early afternoon of July 3. The cause of this is some ambitious plans for spectacular fireworks, flight shows and practices over the national capital.
Here is the full list of events and their expected impact on air travel:
| Date | Event | Impact on flights |
| June 24-25 | Opening of the great American state fair | Possible temporary holds, limited delays |
| June 28 | Military Appreciation Day | Possible temporary holds, limited delays |
| July 3 | Independence Day Essays | No flights scheduled for several hours in the early afternoon |
| 4th of july | Independence Day Celebrations and Fireworks | There are no scheduled flights after 12 pm (noon) |
| July 10 | American State Fair Closing Grand Flyover and Skydive | Possible temporary holds; limited delays |
| August 22-23 | Grand Prix near the National Mall | Possible temporary holds; limited delays |
Which flights are most at risk?
All flights scheduled after noon on July 4: These have already been removed from the schedules
Flights scheduled early afternoon on July 3: Most likely to be canceled or rescheduled
Flights from June 24 to 25, June 28, July 10 and August 22 and 23: may experience temporary delays
Will other airports be affected?
The MWAA said Dulles International Airport would not be similarly affected by the outage. Passengers wishing to avoid delays can fly via Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) on relevant days. But the authority warned that passengers should have checked the status of their flights regardless of the airport.
Parking and terminal access details
Although flight operations are completely suspended at Reagan National Airport, parking lots will remain open. However, MWAA noted that parking at the airport for non-air travel is extremely limited.
Access to Gravelly Point from the Reagan National Metro Station will be clearly indicated by signs for spectators wishing to view the fireworks nearby.
The agency has also noted that there are no designated places where spectators can view fireworks on airport premises.
