Chemical Smell Grounds Flights at BWI-Marshall Airport

Air traffic control issues force temporary stop at several East Coast airports

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:09am

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Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is among several airports where a ground stop is in effect due to a strong chemical smell at the Potomac traffic control facility. The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily stopped traffic at BWI, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport due to the issue impacting air traffic controllers.

Why it matters

The ground stop at multiple major East Coast airports is causing significant disruptions to air travel, with ripple effects across the national aviation system. The cause of the chemical smell and its impact on air traffic control operations raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the air traffic control infrastructure.

The details

According to the FAA, the ground stop was issued late Friday afternoon due to an equipment outage at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control (TRACON) facility. The stop is expected to last until at least 7 p.m. Other airports along the East Coast, including Washington Dulles, Ronald Reagan National, Richmond International, and Philadelphia International, are also impacted as they are under the same air traffic control center.

  • The ground stop was issued late Friday afternoon.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

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

Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control (TRACON)

The air traffic control facility that is experiencing the equipment issue and chemical smell affecting operations.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

A major international airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

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What’s next

The FAA is investigating the cause of the chemical smell and working to restore normal air traffic operations as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical role that air traffic control facilities play in the aviation system and the potential for disruptions caused by equipment issues or environmental factors. It underscores the need for robust backup systems and contingency planning to ensure the reliability of air travel.