March 13, 2026 — Warrenton, Virginia The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground stop at Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), and Richmond International (RIC) airports due to a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON facility here, impacting air traffic controllers and halting departures for approximately one hour starting around 5 p.m.
The FAA ground stop at DC-area airports due to chemical odor at Potomac TRACON stemmed from an overheated circuit board or faulty building monitor equipment, according to multiple reports. Operations transitioned to ground delays after the initial halt, with residual disruptions lasting into the night and causing up to three-hour delays for arrivals and departures.[1] [2]
Official Response
The FAA issued a statement confirming the action:
The FAA has temporarily stopped traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) because of a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON that is impacting some air traffic controllers.[1]
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted an alert on X, listing the affected airports and noting efforts to address the odor source. Fauquier County Fire Rescue and Prince William County hazmat teams responded, evaluating over 30 FAA workers; some reported mild symptoms but none required hospitalization. The circuit board was replaced, and controllers were cleared to return by around 9 p.m.[3] [4]
Cause and Investigation
Reports identified the FAA ground stop at DC-area airports due to chemical odor at Potomac TRACON as resulting from faulty equipment under repair by a contractor, producing the smell. The FAA initially classified it as an equipment outage. No security threat or injuries were reported, and emergency responders confirmed no ongoing danger.[2] [3]
Passenger Impact
The disruption affected hundreds of flights and thousands of travelers amid peak spring travel. Passengers faced extended delays, with some deplaning and reboarding hours later. WTOP reporter Tom Roussey noted, “There’s going to be ripple effects all night long because the delays were growing by the second.” Travelers like Maggy Osha expressed frustration over late-night arrivals.[1] [2]
Aviation accounts on X provided live updates on resumption at BWI, DCA, and IAD. The FAA ground stop at DC-area airports due to chemical odor at Potomac TRACON was fully lifted by 7:45 p.m., though airlines warned of continued delays and potential cancellations.