Flights were grounded at three major DC-area airports for several hours on Friday night because of a “strong odor” that emanated from a faulty circuit board at an air traffic control center, officials said.

A ground stop was issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement on X.

A ‘strong odor’ emanating from an air traffic control center has forced flight groundings at three major DC-area airports. AFP via Getty Images

Richmond International Airport in Virginia was also impacted by the ground stop, according to Duffy.

The ground stop lasted for about three hours. Shortly before 9 p.m., the transportation secretary announced flights had resumed at the affected airports.

“The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced,” Duffy said in an updated statement.

“Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON.”

Potomac Consolidated TRACON is a facility that provides air traffic control in the area.