All flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) were suspended on Tuesday after a bomb threat was reported aboard an arriving United Airlines flight, triggering an immediate lockdown and multi-agency security response.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft, which had just landed, was moved to a secure area on the east side of the airfield while passengers were safely evacuated for screening.
🚨 #RonaldReaganNationalAirport went into lockdown after a bomb threat aboard a United Airlines flight. All passengers were safely evacuated, and the FBI is leading the investigation.#BreakingNews #WashingtonDC #AirportSecurity #FAA #AviationSafety pic.twitter.com/DE3zVA4y1O
— LoudFact (@loudfactcom) November 4, 2025
FAA Confirms ‘Security Issue’ as Ground Stop Enforced
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) described the situation as a “security issue” and ordered a temporary ground stop, halting all departures and arrivals.
“The FAA is aware of a reported security issue on an aircraft at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Passengers have been removed, and the aircraft is away from the terminal while authorities investigate,” the agency said in a statement Tuesday evening.
AirNav Radar and ATC recordings indicated the emergency began around 6:40 p.m. ET, with the aircraft surrounded by police, fire, and airport security units.
In audio shared online, DCA Ground Control can be heard telling the United pilot: “I’m sorry I have to do this… we have an unconfirmed bomb report for your flight.”
Controllers instructed the plane to taxi to a remote holding area while keeping passengers calm. The exchange followed established FAA bomb threat protocols, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
FBI and Airport Police Lead On-Site Investigation
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) confirmed that FBI agents, airport police, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were leading the investigation, supported by bomb squad units and explosives detection teams.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the aircraft was relocated to a remote stand on the east side of the airfield,” said Erin Mitchell, MWAA spokesperson. “All passengers have been safely deplaned, and law enforcement is conducting a thorough investigation.”
No explosives were immediately located, but multiple sources told Reuters that K9 units and bomb technicians were sweeping the aircraft and its surroundings.
Arriving flights were diverted to nearby Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI) airports as the lockdown continued.
Widespread Delays and Cancellations at Reagan National
By 8:30 p.m. ET, Reagan National Airport remained under a full ground stop, with dozens of flights canceled or delayed. FAA data showed over 70 affected flights, and passengers inside terminals reported extended gate holds.
“I’ve been sitting on the tarmac for nearly an hour,” said Jason Miller, a passenger on a delayed American Airlines flight to Nashville. “The pilot just told us there’s a security issue and we’re waiting for clearance. Nobody’s saying much, but everyone’s glued to their phones.”
The FAA noted that due to Ronald Reagan National Airport’s limited runway capacity and proximity to downtown Washington, even short suspensions cause major ripple effects.
FBI: Ongoing Investigation, No Immediate Threat Confirmed
The FBI Washington Field Office confirmed it was responding to “reports of a potential threat aboard an aircraft at Reagan National Airport,” adding that the investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been reported as of late Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security said it was monitoring the situation but has found no link between this incident and a recent bomb scare at Austin-Bergstrom Airport earlier this month.
As of midnight, officials had not confirmed when flight operations would resume, though early FAA guidance suggested that the ground stop could extend into Wednesday morning. Travelers were urged to check airline updates before heading to the airport.
Aviation Security Tightened Nationwide
Tuesday’s scare marks the second major airport security lockdown in the U.S. this month, highlighting growing concerns over aviation safety threats. The FAA and TSA said all standard security procedures were followed, ensuring the safety of passengers and airport personnel.
Officials stressed that, while the situation caused widespread disruption, there were no injuries and the threat remains unconfirmed pending investigation results.
