“Strong chemical smell” causing ground stops at BWI, DCA, IAD airports

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — A strong chemical smell at a federal aviation facility temporarily prompted ground stops at three major airports in the DC-area on Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

‘Strong chemical smell’ causing ground stops at BWI, DCA, IAD airports (WJLA)

Thurgood Marshall Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), Reagan National (DCA), and Dulles International (IAD) Airports were expected to remain on a ground stop until 7 p.m., according to the FAA’s alert page. Dulles International Airport is seeing 90-minute delays (and increasing) on departures.

The FAA said the smell occurred at the Potomac TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) facility in Warranton, Virginia, which sits roughly 50 miles outside of the nation’s capital. The facility helps manage airspace in the region outside of take-offs and departures.

The TRACON facility also serves Richmond International Airport, which is also under a ground stop, according to the FAA.

Philadelphia International Airport was also on a ground delay due to “equipment outages.”

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