Airport preferred by Washington lawmakers and lobbyists lies in some of the most congested airspace in the country.

The crash near Reagan National Airport has renewed questions about the airport's flight load, considering its small size, among other issues.

Lawmakers from Oklahoma and Kansas are reacting to a plane crash near Washington, D.C., as federal authorities investigate.

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A small aircraft crashed in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday, and fire boats were on the scene, the Washington fire department said.

Officials confirmed Thursday morning that a rescue operation has turned into recovery as they search for victims of a collision of an airplane and helicopter over the Potomac River just hours earlier.

On January 29, 2025, a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport led to the suspension of all flights. Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene as rescuers scoured the Potomac River for survivors.

Officials said a search and rescue operation is underway, adding there is no information on any casualties at this time.

A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after a small American Airlines aircraft collided with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport, authorities confirmed.

There is at least one casualty after a helicopter crash at a major airport tonight. All runways have been shutdown and all departures and landings have been halted at the DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

American Airlines said the jet had 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Pentagon confirmed that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. There was no immediate word on fatalities.

The plan to add five incoming and five outgoing flights was included in the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act last year.