Overheated Circuit Board Causes Ground Stops at D.C.-Area Airports
Here's what it means for you.
Air travel disruptions can ripple through your schedule, impacting business meetings and personal plans.
What happened
A strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON facility disrupted air traffic operations for Washington D.C.-area airports on March 13, 2026.
The Context
- Evacuation and HAZMAT response: FAA personnel evacuated the facility due to the odor, which was traced back to an overheated circuit board.
- Ground stops: Operations were halted for 2-3 hours, leading to significant flight delays and diversions.
- Widespread impact: 136 flights were canceled at Reagan National Airport, affecting travelers across major airports.
The Number
flights canceled at Reagan National Airport, highlighting the potential for cascading delays in air travel that can affect your plans.
Takeaway
Residual delays are ongoing, so expect potential impacts on air travel in the coming days.
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‘Strong Odor’ at FAA Air-Traffic Site Spurs Delays at D.C.-Area Airports
A strong odor caused by an overheated circuit board at an FAA air-traffic control facility in Virginia led to significant delays and a temporary halt of flights at three major airports in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area on Friday night.
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Flights at three DC-area airports halted over ‘strong odor’ at air traffic control center: FAA
Flights at three major airports in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area were halted on Friday night due to a strong odor detected at the Potomac TRACON air traffic control center, according to the FAA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.