D.C.-Area Airport to Close for 3 Hours for Grand Prix Event
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will close Ronald Reagan National Airport to flight traffic for three hours on August 23 to accommodate the Trump administration’s planned IndyCar grand prix on the National Mall.
- The ground stop is scheduled from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., covering the period leading up to the race’s expected start time, with timing subject to change.
- The FAA has coordinated with stakeholders to ensure safe air traffic movement during the Freedom 250 event but did not specify which pre-race activities might impact flights.
- Previous closures at Reagan National Airport this summer have coincided with 250th anniversary events involving flyovers, parachutists, and fireworks, which pose risks to aircraft navigation and safety.
- The two-day grand prix will feature a 1.7-mile course near the Capitol and White House, with race cars expected to complete 147 laps on Sunday.
