Flights Paused at Reagan National as Military Flyovers Cross Washington During Freedom 250 Grand Prix

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily paused Sunday as a series of military flyovers crossed the nation’s capital during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

The Federal Aviation Administration scheduled the DCA flight pause from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. EDT to provide protected airspace for the aerial demonstrations over Washington.

Military Aircraft Fly Over Washington

Multiple military aircraft from different branches of the U.S. armed forces participated in flyovers over the National Mall and the Grand Prix circuit.

Flight-tracking data also showed a U.S. Air Force Boeing 747-8 identified as “VC-25B Bridge” operating over the Washington area during the flyover window.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix Underway

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is being held on a 1.7-mile street circuit around the National Mall, with the main IndyCar race taking place Sunday as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The temporary aviation restrictions around Washington were expected to remain in place through the scheduled flyover period before normal operations resumed at Reagan National.