Flights Halted at DC-Area Airports Due to Chemical Smell

Airports in Washington, Baltimore, and Virginia briefly stopped operations amid concerns over air traffic control facility.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:18am

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Airports serving the Washington, D.C. area, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, temporarily halted all flights on Friday evening due to a strong chemical smell detected at the Potomac TRACON air traffic control facility. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented the ground stop as a precaution, but flights were able to resume normal operations shortly after.

Why it matters

Disruptions at major airports can have widespread impacts on travel and commerce, so the FAA acted quickly to ensure the safety of passengers and crews. This is the second time this month that a chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON has forced a temporary flight halt in the region, raising questions about the facility's operations and preparedness.

The details

According to the Department of Transportation, the FAA stopped traffic at several airports, including Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI, as well as smaller airports in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. The Potomac TRACON, which manages air traffic in the region, was the source of the strong chemical smell that prompted the ground stop. Flights were able to resume after controllers returned to work and the FAA confirmed there was no danger.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 28, 2026 in the evening.
  • This was the second time in March 2026 that a chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON led to a temporary flight halt in the region.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Potomac TRACON

The terminal radar approach control facility that manages air traffic for the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

A major international airport serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Washington Dulles International Airport

A major international airport located in Dulles, Virginia, serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport

A major international airport located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“Travelers to the DC area should expect possible ground holds, departure delays, and cancellations, and check directly with your airline before heading to the airport.”

— New York City Emergency Management

“The FAA's ground stop impacting flights to and from the airport had been lifted, but some residual flight delays can be expected this evening.”

— Baltimore-Washington International Airport

What’s next

The FAA and local authorities will investigate the source of the chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON to determine if any safety or operational issues need to be addressed.

The takeaway

The temporary flight halts at major airports in the Washington, D.C. region highlight the critical importance of maintaining safe and reliable air traffic control infrastructure. This incident, the second of its kind in March, raises concerns about the Potomac TRACON's preparedness and the potential impacts on regional travel and commerce.