Overview

• The FAA ordered a pause on all arrivals and departures at Reagan National shortly before 10:45 a.m. after a fire alarm sounded in the air traffic control tower.
• Tower staff restored full operational capacity by noon and air traffic resumed under reduced throughput to manage backlogs.
• Flight tracking data show 173 inbound flights were delayed, with average wait times around 39 minutes following the stoppage.
• The FAA has not reported finding any fire in the tower or opening a public inquiry into the alarm activation.
• The incident reignites scrutiny of safety and procedures at the airport after January’s deadly midair collision and subsequent operational reforms.