The Federal Aviation Administration announced that the airspace around Reagan National Airport will be closed on July 4.
The temporary shutdown means that no flights can land or take off at the Washington, DC area airport.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) said that flights will be halted at noon on July 4, and terminal services will be limited until the flight schedule resumes on July 5.
The shutdown is due to celebrations for America 250, which will include fireworks at the nearby National Mall.
“The FAA will implement traffic management initiatives (TMI) at DCA before, during, and after the event to ensure safety and will facilitate a return to normal operations once the event concludes,” the FAA said in a statement to The U.S. Sun.
“During the peak of the celebration, the TMI stops all arrivals and departures.”
While operations at DCA are typically temporarily paused the night of July 4 for the fireworks show over the Mall, this year’s America 250 celebrations means travelers can expect more disruptions.
“Ticketed passengers on flights at Reagan National Airport (DCA) this summer are advised to closely monitor the status of their flights for adjustments during America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C.
“Many events will include downtown flyovers or other aerial displays such as fireworks or parachute jumps, which will affect flights periodically at Reagan National,” the MWAA said in a statement.
Several events could cause disruptions: the Great American State Fair opening from June 24 to 25, Military Appreciation Day on June 28, the Great American State Fair closeout flyover and parachute jump on June 10, and Grand Prix near the National Mall from August 22 to 23.
“In some instances, airline flight schedules have already been adjusted to avoid pre-planned airspace closure times and minimize impacts on travelers,” MWAA’s statement said.
“In other cases, DCA flights may be delayed by temporary holds as coordinated through air traffic control communications. Weather also could impact flights during this time.”
America 250 celebrations kicked off last weekend with a UFC fight on the White House lawn.
Not all events have gone on without a hitch.
Several musicians have dropped out of the Great American State Fair, leading Donald Trump to rework the festival as a political rally for himself.
The event was allegedly billed to artists as nonpartisan, but several canceled their performances after facing public backlash.
Bret Michaels, Morris Day and the Time, Young MC, and Martina McBride have all backed out of the concert series.
