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  "path": "/news/faa-issues-ground-stop-all-dc-area-airports-due-issue-control-tower",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-27T23:57:13.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.fox5dc.com",
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    "Potomac Consolidated TRACON (PCT).",
    "Ground stop lifted, delays continue at DC-area airports after 'equipment outage'",
    "fly.faa.gov"
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  "textContent": "A ground stop has been issued for all airports in the D.C. area due to an issue at a main air traffic control facility.\n\nThe Federal Aviation Administration issued the alert Friday evening and it's expected to last until 8 p.m.\n\nThe FAA has said that the ground stop is due to a \"environmental issue\" at Potomac Consolidated TRACON (PCT). \n\nAccording to the FAA, the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control (TRACON) PCT provides air traffic control service to the Baltimore-Washington and the Richmond-Charlottesville areas.\n\nThey control the airspace over Joint Base Andrews, BWI, Reagan, Dulles, Richmond and many other area airports.\n\nThe facility is located in Warrenton, Virginia.\n\nIt's not yet clear what exactly has caused the issue at PTC.\n\nThis is the second time this month that an issue at PTC has caused ground stops for D.C.\n\nOn March 14, flights were stopped after a \"strong chemical smell\" was reported at the control tower.\n\n**READ MORE:** Ground stop lifted, delays continue at DC-area airports after 'equipment outage'\n\n\"The FAA has temporarily stopped traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) because of a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON that is impacting some air traffic controllers. Monitor fly.faa.gov for real-time updates,\" a statement released that day read.\n\nTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy later posted on X, saying the smell was caused by an overheated circuit board.\n\n\"Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON. The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced,\" he wrote.\n\nFOX 5 is working to gather details on this developing story. For now, as they say, travelers should pack their patience.",
  "title": "FAA issues ground stop for all DC area airports due to issue at control tower"
}