Updated Jan. 17, 2017
Plans in Place for Increased Traffic at Washington, DC-Area Airports for Inauguration
Presidential inaugurations historically generate a significant increase in air traffic headed to the Washington, DC area. Because of this increased traffic, and due to the heightened security implications, there are a number of things that operators flying into and out of the Washington, DC metro area can expect.
Washington Dulles International (IAD) Departure Slot Requirements
- Departure slots will be required for aircraft departing IAD between Friday, Jan. 20 and Sunday, Jan. 22. Departure slots can be obtained through an IAD FBO of choice (Ross Aviation or Signature Flight Support). Slots will be divided equally between the two FBOs at IAD.
- It is also recommended that flight operators provide an arrival date and time so FBOs are aware of flight details.
Washington Dulles International (IAD) Parking Plans
- Overnight or extended operations can expect to park at a site on the west side of the airfield. Runway 1L/19R will be closed for parking, and additional parking will be available on the west portion of the “W” pad. Aircraft will proceed directly to the west side parking spots upon arrival.
- The FBOs will provide ground transportation to/from the aircraft and their facility.
- The FBOs will do all possible to allow “drop-and-go” operations to utilize their main FBO ramps and not have to utilize the secondary parking areas.
Washington Dulles International (IAD) Departure Procedures January 20-22
Please note that there will be special departure procedures out of Washington Dulles International between Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 22. These special procedures are needed due to the volume of operations in addition to the non-standard parking areas on the west side of the airport (Runway 1L/19R and the west side of the W pad will be used for aircraft parking). Quick reference departure procedures cards will be available at both IAD FBOs (also linked below).
Quick Reference IAD Departure Procedures
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Business aviation access to DCA is limited to participants in the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP). It is expected during the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) on Inauguration Day, January 20, that DASSP operations will not be allowed while the TFR is active. Additional restrictions may limit DCA access during the key events before and after the inauguration. Learn more about the DASSP.
Other DC Metro Area Airports
- All DC metro airports are likely to see increased traffic demand.
- NBAA strongly recommends that aircraft operators who are planning to go to the inauguration contact their FBO of choice and provide arrival and departure dates and times, to ensure that parking is available, and to receive advance instructions on where they can expect to park. Making reservations with an FBO will help to expedite both arrivals and departures. It will also be important for operators to advise FBOs as to whether they will be a drop-and-go operation, or remaining overnight.
Temporary Flight Restrictions
TFR NOTAMs have been published for Inauguration Day, as well as the days before and after Jan. 20. The TFRs and their impacts are as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 19
Pre-Inauguration TFR
Effective 1:30-6 p.m. (1830z-2300z)
General aviation Impacts:
- Within the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), only arrival and departure operations on an active IFR/VFR flight plan with a discrete transponder code assigned by ATC will be allowed (No transiting flights allowed. Must be arriving or departing an airport within the SFRA).
- General aviation flights are prohibited in the DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) with the exception of flights operating under the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) that have TSA Flight Authorization.
Friday, Jan. 20
Inauguration Day TFR
Effective 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (1400z-0030z)
General aviation flight impacts:
- All general aviation flights will be prohibited in the DC SFRA and DC FRZ with the exception of flights on an active IFR flight plan with a discrete transponder code assigned by ATC arriving and/or departing Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Manassas Regional/Harry P Davis Field (HEF) only.
- Note that operations utilizing the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) will not be permitted in or out of DCA during the TFR.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Post Inauguration TFR
Effective 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (1400z-1730z)
General Aviation Flight Impacts:
- Within the DC SFRA, only arrival and departure operations on an active IFR/VFR flight plan with a discrete code assigned by ATC will be allowed (No transiting flights allowed. Must be arriving and/or departing an airport within the SFRA).
- General aviation flights are prohibited in the DC FRZ with the exception of flights operating under the DCA DASSP that have TSA authorization.
Traffic Management Initiatives
FAA air traffic control Initiatives are likely during times of peak demand. Increased demand will be addressed primarily with miles-in-trail restrictions, and if needed, ground delay programs or ground stops. NBAA recommends that operators planning to be in the Washington, DC metro area during this event be subscribed to NBAA Airports/Airspace Alerts. As NBAA staff gets additional information about the inauguration, updates will be distributed through alerts.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.