With summer approaching, many people will head to the airport for transportation. However, make sure to avoid the Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington DC. Known for an alarming number of accidents or near-accidents, this airport is one of the most dangerous in the U.S. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been urged to reduce the air traffic at Reagan Airport by lawmakers. Due to many safety problems and recent collisions, pilots have expressed their concern for the operation of the Reagan Airport.
The largest factor contributing to why the airport is so dangerous is due to congested airspace. Since the Reagan Airport is located in Washington, D.C., there is a very heavy military aircraft presence. Military aircraft often have exemptions from FAA regulations, so it is very common for near-miss accidents to occur. Between 2021 and 2024, 15,214 near miss events were reported within this airport. These incidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but they mostly occur due to the low altitude and fast speed that military aircraft fly at, making it hard to stop when a civilian plane approaches. Additionally, military pilots can often be underprepared due to the reduced training time in certain branches. The high number of flights in and out of the capital, mixed with the large military presence, creates a very overcrowded and dangerous airspace.
The air traffic control at the Reagan Airport is also concerning, as it is understaffed and overworked. The recent air control layoffs from the FAA have caused many air contours to make large errors, such as the fight that occurred in an air traffic tower on April 1. Many think the fight could be due to the air collision that occurred in January at Reagan Airport, killing 67 people. This was the deadliest plane crash to occur since 2001, creating a very tense environment. This crash also occurred due to a military helicopter crashing into a civilian plane, further showing the danger of congested airspace.
Many experienced pilots also don’t have positive opinions on the safety of the Reagan Airport. Ross Aimer, who is a retired United Airlines Captain, said that he’s been trying to tell others that a crash like the one between the American Airlines jet and the Blackhawk would happen. Aimer states that it’s due to “our systems being stretched to extremes.” This means that the airport is so overcrowded that it is unable to function safely.
These factors can make traveling by airplane feel scary and dangerous, but there are proactive e ways you can work to stay safe. Flying on day flights can cause the pilot to have better visibility. This allows for camouflaged helicopters to stand out more, since they are usually painted black to hide within the dark sky. It’s also important to note that hundreds of flights go in and out of this airport safely each day. If possible, try and avoid the Reagan Airport due to the many safety concerns.
