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Metro

Runway Light Failure Triggers Delays and Cancellations at DCA

The flight stoppage was extended until at least 10 p.m.

National Airport

Departures at DCA were delayed by an average of 42 minutes. (Alex Brandon/AP)

By Gavin J. Quinton

September 22, 2026 09:25 p.m.

Flights were delayed at Reagan International Airport on Tuesday night after a lighting equipment failure forced the Federal Aviation Administration to close runways, according to DCA officials.

The FAA has halted all flights departing to DCA until at least 10 p.m., with a moderate likelihood of extending that ground stop order. Departures were delayed by an average of 42 minutes, according to FlightAware.

According to FAA alerts, the lighting system on the airport’s busiest and longest runway was not working, forcing authorities to issue significant delays.

Author

Default image for Washington Sun headshot Gavin J. Quinton is a reporter at The Washington Sun.

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