Officials have confirmed that Ronald Reagan National Airport will reopen at 11 am EST on Thursday following a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. Despite ongoing recovery operations and the wreckage of the crash still being cleared, airport authorities have assured the public that it is safe to resume flights.
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Jack Potter, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, stated that comprehensive safety measures have been implemented after coordination with federal agencies, including the FAA, to ensure the airport can operate securely.
“We’ve worked with all of the federal agencies, FAA, and it’s been determined we can open that airport safely. The recovery effort that’s on our property is on the waterfront,” Potter said, adding that the primary runway, Runway 1/19, remains clear of any crash-related activities.
Although the airport will resume operations, Potter noted that airlines will make their own decisions regarding flight schedules, potentially leading to delays or cancellations. Passengers are encouraged to check with airlines for updates.
The tragic incident, which took place on Wednesday, involved a commercial aircraft carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The jet was on its final approach for landing when it collided with a military helicopter, resulting in multiple fatalities. Emergency responders have been working around the clock to recover wreckage and determine the full scale of the disaster.