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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will temporarily halt flights at Reagan Washington National Airport for three hours later this month for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race.
Airspace above the National Airport will be closed from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. EDT on Aug. 23 to “help ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic” during the first sanctioned auto race on the National Mall as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
The 1.7-mile street course will wind through the city, looping around the National Archives, National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
President Trump ordered preparations for the race in an executive order earlier this year, directing his administration to organize an event that would “showcase the majesty of our great city” as drivers race around some of Washington’s most recognizable landmarks.
General admission to the race is free, though spectators can pay $5,000 per person for a two-day “Champions Club” package offering premium access during the race weekend.
The planned suspension will be the latest disruption at the National Airport tied to commemorative 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington.
The FAA halted operations at the airport for several hours on July 4 to accommodate Independence Day celebrations, leading to hundreds of canceled flights.
The National Airport also temporarily halted operations in June of last year during Trump’s military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary.
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