How a Celebration for the Army's 250th Just Wrecked Travel for Thousands

A military parade in Washington, D.C., isn’t just a spectacle on the ground. It’s now grounding flights in the sky. Multiple airlines are canceling or rescheduling service at Reagan National Airport on June 14 to accommodate the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Celebration, a large-scale event that includes military flyovers and fireworks.

CBS News reported that JetBlue, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American have all confirmed changes to their schedules. Delta canceled eight flights, four arrivals and four departures, amounting to about 10% of its Reagan National operations for the day. JetBlue and Alaska each canceled a roundtrip flight and adjusted additional flight times.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will pause all airline operations at the airport from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during “peak parade activity.” 

The move is part of a broader traffic management program coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security to secure the airspace for military aircraft participating in the celebration.

American Airlines said it’s adding larger planes to select routes and giving customers the option to rebook flights through nearby Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) at no extra charge.

The event is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million, according to Army officials. It will feature over 100 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, and thousands of troops temporarily housed in federal buildings.

Reagan National Airport began advising travelers last week to check flight statuses in advance and plan for delays. While the Army’s milestone is a point of pride, for passengers hoping to travel that night, it could mean missed connections or last-minute itinerary changes.

If you’re flying into or out of D.C. this weekend, don’t assume you’re clear for takeoff. The skies above the capital are reserved—for one night—for a different kind of air traffic. Be sure you know what's happening in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.

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