DC-area flights grounded again for strong odor, weeks after similar issue at same facility
wjla.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Flights were temporarily halted at multiple airports in the D.C. region, including DCA, IAD, and BWI, due to a strong odor at the Potomac Consolidated TRACON facility in Warrenton, Va., which manages regional airspace.
- The odor was caused by an overheated battery inside an IT cabinet, prompting ground stops and flight delays; no injuries were reported.
- The disruption lasted from approximately 6:50 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, affecting airports in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Fauquier County as well.
- This is the second such incident in less than a month, with a similar odor-related evacuation on March 13 caused by faulty equipment during contractor work.
- The current situation compounds existing travel delays caused by the partial government shutdown, which has impacted TSA staffing and airport operations.
