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Ground stops at all 3 major DC-area airports lead to more delays

All three major D.C.-area airports are under a ground stop effect on Friday evening due to issues at a Federal Aviation Administration facility in Virginia, multiple sources have reported.

All three major D.C.-area airports are under a ground stop Friday evening due to a “strong smell” at a Federal Aviation Administration facility in Virginia.

A spokesman with the FAA confirmed with WTOP that air traffic was temporarily stopped after a strong smell was reported at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control facility in Warrenton, Virginia.

Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport are all impacted by the ground stop, as well as Charlottesville-Albemarle and Richmond International airports.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are investigating, along with the Metro Transit Police Department, a spokeswoman confirmed with WTOP.

Something similar happened at the Potomac TRACON facility two weeks ago.

This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.

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