FAA says Trump arch will not interfere with D.C. airport flight path

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that President Trump's planned triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial will not interfere with the flight paths of planes arriving and departing from Washington Reagan National Airport. The agency found that the structure would not have a significant adverse impact on the utilization of D.C.

National Airport's airspace or its navigation facilities. The FAA has requested notification at least 10 days before construction begins, but found no issues regarding airport capacity or pilot workload. The arch, expected to start construction soon, has faced criticism, particularly due to its location in the flight path for planes landing and departing from the nearby airport.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns over the safety implications, citing the location's history of a deadly plane crash just a year and a half ago. Following an initial feasibility review, the FAA concluded that the arch would not affect flight operations and required obstruction lights to alert planes to its presence. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced initial excavation work on the arch before the final approval.

The FAA emphasized that any further changes to the arch's plans or height would need to be resubmitted to the agency. The arch is positioned along D.C. National Airport's most busy flight route.