Flying in or out of Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14, could be disrupted due to potential air travel issues related to a large-scale military parade and airshow. The parade is honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also coincides with the birthday of President Donald Trump.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) officials and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have confirmed that temporary flight restrictions will be in place during the event. All commercial arrivals and departures will be suspended at DCA during the peak of the celebration, expected between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. A fireworks display and military flyovers are also planned as part of the festivities.
Travel Disruptions on June 14
According to a senior government official, up to 116 flights could be affected by the temporary ground stop. The FAA is still finalizing airspace plans and will release more information about the specific aircraft and timing soon.
Airlines are actively monitoring the situation. Southwest Airlines, which operates about 20 flights through DCA during the affected window, said it does not anticipate cancellations but is preparing to notify customers. Delta and United are currently reviewing the situation and have advised travelers to check directly with the FAA for updates.
“We have about 20 flights that operate into and out of DCA during the anticipated airspace closure,” Lynn Lunsford, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson, told USA TODAY in a statement. “We will be working with our teams to make sure customers are aware and can plan accordingly.”
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status the evening of June 14 to confirm their flight status with airlines and prepare for changes.
The military parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Constitution Avenue NW, starting at 23rd Street and ending at 15th Street near the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The procession will pass key sites including Constitution Gardens, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and President’s Park, eventually reaching a viewing stand south of the White House.
