Washington's Reagan airport still shut, under security cloud

WASHINGTON - Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport remains closed today due to concerns about its proximity to key federal buildings including the Pentagon which was struck by a hijacked airliner on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said it had taken a decision in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration that the airport should remain closed for now.

"This decision to temporarily suspend flight activity was made due to the airport's proximity to federal installations in the Washington DC area, including the Pentagon," a statement from the authority said.

Other major airports around the United States started handling scheduled traffic again today after being closed on Wednesday in response to attacks using hijacked airliners that also toppled the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center.

Reagan National's failure to reopen has raised again the question of whether its proximity to the White House and other sensitive buildings argues for its closure to civilian traffic.

Located on the Potomac River, under a mile from the Pentagon, Reagan National has flight paths that also take approaching and departing planes close to the White House, State Department and the Capitol.

Despite its convenience for those who live and work in the city, critics have charged that it provides cover to those who might want to launch an attack on the city.

- REUTERS

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