Reagan National to Suspend Most July 4 Flights After Noon

Those planning on flying in the near future into Washington, DC, should know about the latest Independence Day twist: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will largely shut down after noon on July 4. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority says the pause in airline traffic is to clear the skies for military rehearsals, performances, fireworks, and other "America250" festivities in the capital, including President Trump's evening rally on the National Mall, reports the Hill. Per Reuters, flights will also be canceled for a few hours on July 3, for rehearsals.

Flight schedules at Reagan will also see scattered disruptions around the June 25-July 10 Great American State Fair and an Aug. 23 IndyCar race using the Mall as a backdrop, per the Hill. Some airlines have already shifted schedules, notes the MWAA; others may face short-notice holds in coordination with air traffic controllers. "Many of the airspace closures are expected to have a limited duration and impact," the authority said in a statement, per the New York Times. Officials are urging passengers to track their flights closely for any tweaks, though terminals and parking will remain open during the closures.