Britons travelling to Washington DC have been warned of air travel disruptions due to ongoing recovery efforts after a deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised Britons with scheduled flights in the affected area to check with their airlines for possible delays or cancellations.
The statement read: “If you are due to fly in the affected area follow the guidance of local services, check with your airline or travel operator for information on possible flight cancellations or delays, and be prepared for potential delays at the airport.
“If you are concerned about anybody who may have been involved in the accident, contact American Airlines on 1800 679 8215 (from inside the US), or see news.aa.com.”
The plane was carrying 64 people when it crashed over the Potomac River
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The crash, which occurred on Wednesday evening, killed all 64 people aboard the commercial flight and three soldiers in the military helicopter.
The incident happened as the American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching the US capital.
The commercial aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with the helicopter.
The military helicopter, which was conducting a training flight, had three soldiers aboard when the crash occurred near the Potomac River.
Washington DC’s fire chief John Donnelly confirmed the incident is now being treated as a recovery operation.
Officials have indicated there are no survivors from either aircraft.
The crash site is centred on the Potomac River near the capital’s Reagan National Airport.
City mayor Muriel Bowser said all Americans share a “profound sense of grief” over the “tragic events”.
The passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
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Passengers should follow guidance from local services and be prepared for potential airport delays.
Those seeking information about passengers can contact American Airlines on 1800 679 8215 from within the US, or visit news.aa.com.
Passengers with scheduled flights in the Washington DC area should check directly with their airline or travel operator for updates.
Local authorities are advising travellers to anticipate potential delays and follow guidance from emergency services in the affected area.
