4th Of July Military Flyover Would Ground Reagan Flights: Report

The White House is planning on making some big changes to the 4th of July celebration on the National Mall, including a military flyover that would temporarily ground aircraft at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, according to reports.

Fox 5's Melanie Alnwick reports that the "Salute to America" flyover would require a ground stop at Reagan, although it would be "very brief." The event hasn't been confirmed yet, she added.

However, a report by WTOP indicates that there would be two ground stops spanning more than two hours total: 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. for the flyovers, and between 9 and 9:45 p.m., for the fireworks.

In addition to military aircraft, President Trump plans to have one of the jetliners used as Air Force One fly over the National Mall during the celebration, according to a Washington Post report.

Trump has long expressed interest in an extravagant military parade after witnessing the Bastille Day celebration in France in 2017. However, plans to have a similar parade with tanks and other military equipment were scuttled last year over concerns about cost.

Trump is expected to make a televised address from the Lincoln Memorial, a break from tradition for the 4th of July which has not featured political figures in the past. Democrats have complained that Trump's involvement is an attempt to turn a nonpartisan patriotic celebration into a campaign rally.

Sources @FAANews tell me that a July4 military #flyover for the @WhiteHouse “Salute to America” would require a ground stop @Reagan_Airport. However, it would be very brief. No confirmed event yet, though. @stevechenevey @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/jOZ94Er2od
— Melanie Alnwick (@fox5melanie) June 19, 2019