The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights at three major airports serving Washington, D.C., and Baltimore on Friday afternoon after a strong chemical smell affected air traffic controllers. The ground stop, affecting Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, began around 4:50 p.m. and was expected to last until approximately 7 p.m.

The odor originated at the Potomac TRACON regional center in Warrenton, Virginia, which directs traffic for the Washington area. Air traffic controllers reported being impacted by the chemical smell, prompting the FAA to issue the ground stop as a safety precaution. FlightAware data showed significant delays and cancellations at all three affected airports.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of air traffic control systems to environmental hazards. The FAA has not yet identified the source of the chemical smell, though the agency is investigating. Transportation officials emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, with flights resuming only after ensuring the control center environment is safe for operations.