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Metro

Trump’s July 4 Bash Will Close D.C. Airspace for 15 Hours

DCA.air.traffic.control.shutdown

Airlines say they have planned for the restrictions for weeks and scheduled flights accordingly to avoid customer impact. Samuel Corum/Sipa USA/AP

By Torrie Herrington

June 29, 2026 05:43 p.m.

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The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday that there will be 15 total hours of airspace closure at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport across July 3 and 4 due to Independence Day activities in D.C.

Flights will be paused on July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on July 4 from noon to 11:59 p.m “to support Independence Day events,” the FAA said in a statement, noting that the times are subject to change.

On July 4, 850,000 fireworks shells will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, eight Potomac River barges and West Potomac Park.

“The FAA has been planning and coordinating with stakeholders for months to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic during celebrations of America’s 250th birthday,” the agency said.

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NOTUS asked the airlines DCA services if the pauses caused any scheduling errors or customer complaints.

Spokespeople for United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines said they have planned for the restrictions for weeks and scheduled flights accordingly to avoid customer impact. The other airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Author

AJI-Fellow2025_Torrie Herrington.png Torrie Herrington is a reporter at The Washington Sun and an Allbritton Journalism Institute fellow.

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