The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Monday that it will close Ronald Reagan National Airport to flight traffic for three hours later this month, to accommodate the Trump administration’s planned IndyCar grand prix on the National Mall.
The expected ground stop will take place from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Aug. 23, covering the period leading up to the race’s expected start time.
“The F.A.A. has been planning and coordinating with stakeholders to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic during Freedom 250 event,” the agency said in a statement. When asked what pre-race festivities were expected to pose a potential risk to passing flights, a spokeswoman from the agency did not elaborate.
The F.A.A. has had to impose a number of closures at Reagan National Airport this summer coinciding with events marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding because of flyovers, parachutists, fireworks and other pyrotechnics that have posed risks either for the physical sanctity of nearby aircraft or to pilots’ ability to navigate safely through the area. Flyovers are a common feature of many IndyCar series races.
In July, the runways at National Airport were closed for 12 hours for Independence Day festivities and fireworks, and for several hours the day before for rehearsals. When the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced those plans in June, it noted that the car race would also bring about temporary runway closures.
The F.A.A.’s announcement on Monday noted that the exact timing of the Aug. 23 ground stop could change.
“Travelers should check with their airline for the latest flight status,” it read.
The grand prix event is expected to play out in Washington over two days, culminating with Sunday’s race. The 1.7-mile course, which race cars are expected to circle 147 times, stretches from the shadow of the Capitol to within a few blocks of the White House.
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