Air Traffic Controllers Fall Ill from Unknown Odor at Potomac TRACON

March 13, 2026 | New Baltimore, VA

Several air traffic controllers at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility in New Baltimore, Virginia, reported feeling ill after detecting an unknown odor on March 13. Hazardous materials teams rushed to the site at 3699 Macintosh Drive, triggering the diversion of all flights from Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), Washington Dulles International, and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports.

Several controllers feeling ill due to Unknown odor. Haz mat teams on Scene. All air traffic at bwi, Dulles, Reagan National diverted.

Officials are probing the origin of the odor, which has led to symptoms in several controllers. Details about the affected individuals or the substance itself remain undisclosed.

This event underscores persistent safety issues in air traffic control centers and may prompt examinations of emergency protocols through legal channels.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.