Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport {{Airport codes|DCA|KDCA}} in Arlington County, Virginia is the closest commercial airport to Washington, D.C.

Safety and security concerns

Because of its proximity to central Washington, the airport has been subject to special security procedures for many years. Before 2001, the most notable of these was the southbound approach into the airport. Most of central Washington is restricted airspace up to 18,000 feet: in order to land on National's southbound runway, pilots had to follow the path of the Potomac River and make a steep turn shortly before landing, in a procedure called the "River Visual." Similarly, flights taking off to the north are required to climb quickly and bank left sharply to avoid the Washington Monument and follow a path which does not go over either the White House or the Pentagon.

Related Topics:
Restricted airspace - Washington Monument - White House

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When National reopened after the September 11, 2001 attacks, it was subjected to much stricter security measures. Aircraft of more than 156 seats were banned, and the River Visual approach banned until mid-2002. In addition, private planes were no longer allowed access to the airport (with rare exceptions). All of these regulations were intended to prevent terrorist activity similar to the September 11 attacks, when hijackers flew large aircraft into prominent buildings.

Related Topics:
September 11, 2001 attacks - Private planes - Terrorist

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