Thursday, January 30, 2025
A deadly mid-air collision between an American Eagle jet and a US military chopper over the Potomac River has forced the closure of Reagan National Airport (DCA), causing over five hundred flight cancellations and widespread travel disruptions. Major airlines, including Delta, Southwest, American, United, JetBlue, and Frontier, have been heavily impacted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Nearby airports, such as Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI), are seeing increased traffic as travelers seek alternatives.
Passengers on canceled flights are entitled to full refunds, and airlines are offering travel waivers for rebooking. Authorities are investigating the crash while recovery efforts continue, and flight operations at Reagan National remain suspended. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and explore alternate routes as disruptions persist.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) remains closed Thursday morning following a devastating mid-air collision between an American Eagle passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. Officials fear there are no survivors among the 67 people aboard both aircraft.
The accident occurred Wednesday night as American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was on its final approach from Wichita, Kansas. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, carrying three soldiers on a training mission, collided with the regional jet before both aircraft crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac.
Emergency teams are working around the clock to recover victims from the wreckage. As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies had been pulled from the river.
“At this point, we do not believe there were any survivors,” D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly said at a press conference. “We will work to find all the bodies and reunite them with their loved ones.”
Among the victims were figure skaters, coaches, and families returning from competitions in Wichita. This included Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
A dive team has recovered one of the two flight data recorders—commonly referred to as black boxes—which will be crucial in determining what led to the accident.
Reagan National Airport has been closed since the collision, causing widespread cancellations and delays across the region. Officials say flight operations are expected to resume at 11 a.m. Thursday, but the timeline remains subject to change as recovery efforts continue.
Many airlines have been severely impacted, with PSA Airlines—which operated the doomed flight—facing the most disruptions. Airline Cancellations % of Schedule Canceled Delays % of Schedule Delayed PSA Airlines 273 98% 1 0% American Airlines 63 48% 8 6% Republic 62 39% 3 1% Envoy Air 32 100% 0 0% Southwest 20 22% 3 3% JetBlue 17 43% 0 0% Jazz 16 100% 0 0% Delta 13 23% 1 1% United 8 24% 0 0% GoJet 5 27% 0 0% Endeavor Air 4 33% 0 0% Frontier 3 50% 0 0% Alaska Airlines 0 0% 3 30%
Passengers impacted by cancellations are entitled to a full refund under U.S. Transportation Department regulations. Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest, have issued travel waivers for affected passengers, allowing them to rebook flights without penalties.
With Reagan National out of service, travelers are seeking alternative airports:
These airports are expected to experience heavier-than-usual traffic as passengers adjust their travel plans.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash. However, initial reports suggest that both aircraft were flying in normal flight patterns before the collision.
Radio recordings indicate that the Black Hawk helicopter crew was aware of the incoming passenger jet. Seconds before impact, another pilot radioed air traffic control: “Tower, did you see that?”—apparently referring to the doomed aircraft.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that neither aircraft was engaged in abnormal flight behavior. “This was not unusual,” he stated.
However, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom appeared to place blame on the military helicopter, questioning why it entered the PSA aircraft’s path.
“At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,” Isom said Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, questioning the actions of both the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers, calling it a “preventable disaster” on a clear night.
The Pentagon has launched a formal investigation into the crash, examining air traffic control communications, radar data, and the recovered black box. Officials believe they will recover all bodies as rescue teams continue their search.
American Airlines has set up a helpline for families of passengers and crew members aboard flight 5342.
Family Assistance Hotline: 1-800-679-8215
Authorities urge loved ones to reach out for support, information, and updates regarding the ongoing recovery efforts.
Despite the ongoing investigation and wreckage recovery, officials plan to reopen Reagan National Airport at 11 a.m. Thursday, though further disruptions are expected.
As the nation mourns one of the deadliest U.S. air disasters in more than a decade, investigators are working tirelessly to uncover what went wrong—and to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
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