On August 6, 2026, thunderstorms disrupted air travel at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to implement a ground delay program starting at 3:51 p.m. Eastern Time. The program was scheduled to remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., leading to an average arrival delay of 41 minutes and some flights facing delays up to 151 minutes. An earlier ground stop at Reagan National was canceled, but weather-related delays persisted throughout the afternoon and evening.
Departure Delays at Washington Dulles Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport experienced a ground stop from 2:55 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time due to the same thunderstorms. After
the ground stop lifted, departure delays began increasing, with average wait times reaching 45 minutes shortly before 4 p.m. Thunderstorm activity continued to affect flight departures, causing further delays as the afternoon progressed.
FAA and Airport Advisory
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that thunderstorms were the direct cause of the operational disruptions at both Reagan National and Dulles airports. Airport officials at Dulles confirmed departure delays were worsening due to the storm activity. Travelers scheduled to fly through either airport on August 6, 2026, were advised to consult their airline for current flight information before arriving at the airport.
