Flight attendants' union expresses safety concerns over proposed arch near Washington National Airport

The union representing flight attendants expressed safety concerns on October 7, 2026, regarding President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch, which is planned to be located near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Flight Attendants Association-CWA President Sara Nelson stated that the 250-foot (76 meter) arch raises multiple safety issues, particularly following a deadly crash over the Potomac River in January 2025 that resulted in 67 fatalities. Nelson criticized Trump's intention to convert the arch into a military complex, stating, "DCA is already stretched to its limit, we do not need an obstacle taking up space in our flight path," and emphasized that commercial aviation should not have to navigate around military drones or other hazards during takeoff and landing. Nelson's comments align with concerns from various veterans' groups and members of Congress regarding the memorial's potential impact on historic sightlines in Washington, D.C. Although the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has given early approval for the arch, a lawsuit has been filed by a group of veterans and an architectural historian, arguing that Congressional approval is necessary for the project. In a social media post, Trump indicated that he had agreed to the military's request to transform the arch into a military complex. The Federal Aviation Administration previously stated that the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft but recommended that it be marked with an eternal flame and floodlights for visibility to pilots. An assessment by the National Park Service noted that the arch could disrupt the historical significance of nearby sites, yet the project was approved regardless. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that excavation work at the site in Memorial Circle would commence soon, although the Interior Department has not provided updates on the project's status. The arch is part of several initiatives by Trump to alter the landscape of Washington, including renovations to a public golf course and plans to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.