Flight attendant union raises safety concerns over Trump's proposed arch near DCA

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has raised safety concerns about a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The union represents roughly 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines. It says the structure would add another obstacle to the airport's approach corridor.

Union president Sara Nelson cited unresolved safety questions from the January 2025 midair collision near the airport, which killed 67 people. She also questioned recently announced plans to give the arch military functions.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Nelson said the airport already operates near its limits. Commercial aviation, she argued, should not have to work around military drones, missiles or snipers while taking off and landing.

The FAA issued a no-hazard determination for the arch in September, finding it would not endanger air navigation if marked correctly. The agency asked for a flame at the top and floodlights so pilots could see it more easily. That determination came before the announcement that the site could also host military equipment, including drones.

The project has preliminary approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, but veterans' groups, lawmakers and historic preservation advocates oppose it. Three veterans and an architectural historian have sued over the approval process, arguing Congress must authorise the project.

The FAA's aeronautical study remains open to petitions for review through Oct. 18.