ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — Reagan National Airport (DCA) resumed flight operations at 11 a.m. Thursday, just over 12 hours after a deadly collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter.
Passengers said there was a somber mood at the airport as things started to get back to business throughout the morning.
Dozens of flight cancellations caused many passengers to cancel their travel plans. Some even said they were stranded at the airport in the hours after the crash due to canceled flights.
According to FlightAware.com, there have been more than 500 total cancellations at DCA.
Airport officials say around 9 p.m. on Jan. 29, emergency personnel initiated their response to the crash between the American Eagle Flight 5342 and the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Mutual aid from neighboring agencies were called to assist while takeoffs and landings at DCA were halted for the remainder of the evening.
After operations resumed, one passenger said it was a little unnerving boarding his flight.
“I normally pray before taking off so I kind of put it in God’s hands anyway,” said passenger Tony Harmon. “But it does definitely add anxiety to the moment but this situation is one where … it seems like it was preventable.”
Another passenger expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
“Prayers,” said passenger Debra Duncan. “I’m retired military so I felt for those in the helicopter as well, of course in the plane and then when you hear that, you know the possible Olympic skaters on board just getting ready to live their dream. It’s so horrible to see that many souls leave.”
Airport officials are warning passengers that some flights have been delayed or canceled, and they are urging passengers to check with their airline for specific flight information.
