FAA plans to pause flights from Reagan National for IndyCar race

Aug. 11 (UPI) — The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that it plans to pause flights from Reagan National Airport in Arlington County, Va., for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is a street race set to take place in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 23, hosted by President Donald Trump. The FAA expects flight operations to be paused from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. EDT.

The race was set forth by an executive order signed by the president last year. He directed his administration to prepare for an event to “showcase the majesty of our great city.”

The street race is the latest entry in Trump’s America 250 celebration of the anniversary of America’s founding. It is also the latest event ordered by Trump that will put flight operations on hold, preceded by a military parade last summer and the Fourth of July festivities this year.

“The FAA has been planning and coordinating with stakeholders to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic during Freedom 250 events,” the FAA said in a statement.

The flight schedule for Aug. 23, has been reduced to reflect the disruption. The number of flights scheduled for the day has decreased from 427 to 364 departures.

The window of flight operations being paused is subject to change, the FAA said.