Wednesday night’s plane crash over the Potomac River is poised to affect hundreds of flights across the country.
American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk at approximately 8:48 p.m. Wednesday. The airliner had 64 people on board, while the helicopter had three. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, or DCA, suspended all takeoffs and landings after the crash, reopening at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Though the airport is now open, the extended delay had a cascading effect that will send ripples through the airline industry for days, if not longer.
Here’s everything you need to know:
How many flights are affected?
According to FlightAware, 516 flights into and out of DCA were canceled on Thursday, constituting 61% of outgoing and 53% of inbound flights.
The true number of affected flights, including delays, is likely much larger, given the cascading effect.
What airlines and airports are affected?
DCA, Washington Dulles International, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Richmond International Airport (RIC) were all affected by the crash.
PSA Airlines, American Airlines, and Republic are the three airlines most affected by the crash, with 302, 165, and 65 cancellations, respectively.
Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Air Canada, and Frontier all issued travel advisories after the crash.
What’s happening at DC airports?
All Washington, D.C., airports are currently open, but the cancellations and delays mean that Dulles and BWI will receive many more redirected flights from DCA.
DCA said that all airport roads and terminals are open, but travelers should check with their airlines to see if their flight has been diverted.
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How do I get a flight switch or refund?
Most airlines will automatically rebook flights to the earliest and most convenient times at no charge. Others offer a flight change at no extra cost.
American Airlines offers a free switch for flyers going into DCA if they meet certain criteria: flyers must have purchased their tickets by Jan. 29, been scheduled to travel between Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, and can travel between Jan. 30 and Feb. 5.