Flights between Charlotte and Washington delayed after deadly Wednesday crash
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American Airlines plane crash in Washington
American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, 2025. Authorities said no one survived, including a Charlotte-based crew. Here is ongoing coverage from The Charlotte Observer.
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Charlotte flights to and from the Washington D.C. region were grounded in the wake of a deadly Wednesday night crash that closed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
As of 10:30 a.m Thursday, 12 flights connecting DCA to Charlotte Douglas International Airport were canceled or delayed following the incident where 67 people were believed to have been killed.
An American Eagle regional passenger plane Flight 5342, operated by American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. That prompted a massive search-and-rescue operation that extended into the night, McClatchy and the Kansas City Star reported.
No survivors were expected among the 60 passengers and four crew members on the commercial plane and three people on the military chopper.
DCA is reopening at 11 a.m. Thursday, authorities said at a news conference Thursday morning about the crash.
“Our hearts are shattered by the tragic events this week at both CLT and (DCA),” Charlotte Douglas officials said in statement Thursday. “We stand by our partners at American Airlines and PSA Airlines, and we join the aviation community in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, passengers and colleagues affected by these devastating incidents.
“In times of profound loss, we are reminded that life is precious — cherish who you love,” CLT added.
The airport is providing chaplains on site to provide support, comfort and guidance to employees and passengers.
Also Thursday, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, speaking at a news conference, said, “This is devastating. We are all hurting.” He also praised the work of the first responders.
“We as a nation are in mourning,” President Donald Trump said Thursday. “We’re all searching for answers.”
More on CLT
CLT is the seventh busiest airport in the world for arrivals and departures, according to Airports Council International.
Most of those flights are provided by American Airlines. CLT is the second largest hub for the Fort Worth, Texas-based company and accounts for about 90% of all flights out of the airport.
This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Flights between Charlotte and Washington delayed after deadly Wednesday crash."
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