America Attacked:
Reagan National Airport
With Jonathan Gaffney
Vice President for Communications,
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Friday, Sept. 28, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT

Reagan National Airport remains closed indefinitely after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It is an anchor of the region's economy, affecting about 10,000 workers. Forty-five thousand people a day used the airport. Now there are layoffs and the shutting down of stores, restaurants and related businesses and services.

What does this mean for the local economy? Jonathan Gaffney, vice president of communications for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, will be online Friday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. EDT, to take your questions and comments about the closing and its affect on the local and national economy.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Jonathan Gaffney: Many thanks for allowing me and the Airports Authority to participate in this discussion today. National Airport has been closed for well over two weeks now, and we are very eager to get the facility opened again with whatever security measures -- on the ground, in the aircraft, and in the air -- are necessary.

Arlington: I am very sympathetic to the people whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the closing of National Airport. However, I have to say that I feel much better with it closed, and strongly vote to keep it that way. Apart from the homicide attackers, we've already seen accidents affecting Washington by planes from that airport. Washington already has two major international aiports safely outside D.C. airspace. Shouldn't we be thinking about making them more accessible to Washington? If Manhattan had an airport in it like National, how stong would the sentiment be to keep it open?

Jonathan Gaffney: Thank you for the question. One of the misperceptions that have been circulated over the past couple of weeks is that because Dulles and BWI are in our region, the capacity from National can easily be transferred to those airports. That is not the case. Both Dulles and BWI are very busy facilities with Capital Development Projects in place to handle future passenger projections just for those airports. Taking National's 16 million passengers and sending them to those two airports would make difficult situations worse. With our three airports, this region is one of the best served aviation markets in the country. With just two airports it could turn into one of the worst.

San Diego, Calif.: Please discuss the types of "beefed up" security measures which are planned for this airport. I commend the president for providing federal agents for emergency security staffing. But in long run, will there also be equipment that can detect bombs, or weapons. Also, anyway of determing if there is a terrorist in crowd (biogenics). I am a strong proponent of this. Thank you.

Jonathan Gaffney: Thanks for the question. Right now, while we expect a more comprehensive level of security measures once the airport is opened, we do not know exactly what they will be. We are willing, however, to work with the airlines and FAA to put in place any security measures deemed necessary.

Woodley Park, D.C.: I feel very, very bad for all the people thrown out of work by the shutting down of National Airport. What I plan to do about it when the airport reopens: I'm encouraging everyone I know to ride the Metro down to the airport as soon as it reopens and is back in semi-normal operation. We're going to basically take an evening out there, patronizing the stores and eating in the restaurants. I'll have a Cinnabon for dinner, what the heck! I'm hoping to spread this idea, I've mentioned it in other Live Online chats but this one seems most appropriate. If you want to grab a cup of coffee and the newspaper on Sunday morning, don't stay home in D.C. at your local trendy coffeeshop ... come on down to National and let the people who work there know we support them!

Jonathan Gaffney: On behalf of all the people who work for the Authority, the airlines,and all the varied businesses who support the operations of the airport.....thanks.

Woodley Park, DC: Hello Jonathan,
I'm a major supporter of reopening National Airport as soon as possible. I'm astonished that some locals have expressed support for pie-in-the-sky ideas like turning it into an Air Force base or a baseball stadium. It's the only airport directly on the Metro system with seamless multimodal transit links.
In light of the airport's uncertain future, it seems prudent to push for the much-discussed Metro line to Dulles airport. WMATA, D.C., Virginia and the Airport Authority have been planning this for the long term, but it seems to me the timetable should be pushed up dramatically. Lets get past the dickering over where to locate stations in Tyson's Corner and get that rail line built already!

Jonathan Gaffney: There was an article (I believe) in the Washington Post recently that quoted numerous local, state, and federal officials regarding "swapping" National and Andrews. While the Air Force would be the more appropriate party to address this option, everybody quoted thought it was a silly idea. One quick question that comes to my mind: A fully-loaded 747 needs more than 10,000 feet of runway to take off, and National's longest runway is 6700 feet. My guess is that another mile of the Potomac River would need to be filled in....

Washington, D.C.: Does Washington National Airport figure into the national economy?

Jonathan Gaffney: Thanks for the question. While we -- and the region -- tend to look at the airport as a major regional economic engine, because it is the 27th-busiest (passengers) airport in the country and a very important business market to all the major airlines in the nation, closing it down would be both a major blow to the region and the nation's aviation system. USAirways, for example, is the largest carrier at DCA and very much will rely on it to help them survive.

Arlington: If general aviation can no longer operate out of National due to enhanced security measures, would those slots be made available to the air carriers?

Jonathan Gaffney: I think that your operative word is "if" The Airports Authority certainly hopes that DCA can return to the full-service mode that existed the morning of September 11th. What happens to GA slots is not even on our radar scope.

Arlington, Va.: The Transportation secretary this morning said the airport would be opened but that was denied by a White House spokesman afterward. So will it be or won't it be?

Jonathan Gaffney: Obviously, we were very encouraged with the Secretary's remarks this morning. As to "will it be or won't it be," we certainly hope that it will be reopened.

Washington, D.C.: Is anything at National open now? Can people go out there?

Jonathan Gaffney: Unfortunately, National remains closed to aircraft operations. Authiority employees are working, however, and some tennants have limited staff onboard.

NW D.C.: Jonathan,
Like most Washingtonians that I know, I am for re-opening National right away. I understand the security concerns, but if the Secret Service had their way with everything, there would be no tours of the White House! There are ways to mitigate risk. What I'd like to know is -- how often has this issue of being too close to government buildings been brought up? Why was nothing done before?

Jonathan Gaffney: Thank you for the comment. To our knowledge, there has been no formal discussion between the federal government and the Airports Authority regarding the proximity of DCA to the city. When both Dulles and National were transferred from the Federal Government to the Authority in 1987, no particular security measures were included. It should be noted, however, that there are some very clear and srict flight procedures in and out of the airport which prohibits aircraft from flying over the White House, Capitol, Mall, etc., and, to my knowledge, violations of those restrictions are very infrequent.

Arlington, Va.: The closing of National Airport has changed my life in a very significant way -- as a Virginia resident working in New York City for the past nine months, I traveled on the shuttles to LaGuardia at least two to three times a week. Amtrak offers a reasonable alternative to the shuttles, but my commutes are now four hours each way as opposed to two to three. I believe increased security is paramount in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, but I disagree that closing National for good is the best way to achieve that goal.

Jonathan Gaffney: We agree with your desired to reopen the airport. We are ready to work with the airlines, FAA, and other government organizations to ensure that sufficient security measures are in place.

Gaithersburg, MD: DCA was my husband's and my favorite airport ever for its convenience getting to/from and using inside, so I certainly would like to use it again, but don't want to be using it if it's really a security problem. My understanding is that landings into DCA are the concern, and I heard that they would open it with air marshals on all outgoing flights, but seems to me the marshals should be on all INcoming flights? Also, maybe landings are not the concern? What is the big deal that makes DCA still closed while all the other airports are open, including the other D.C. airports from which you could divert a plane into D.C? Thanks.

Jonathan Gaffney: Right now there are many proposals being discussed to enhance security at National....and they include security at the Airport as well as the airports where flights originate.

Bethesda, Md.: What a great location for a baseball stadium! The original building could house team offices and the stadium could be done in an art deco style. There's already Metro access and the tarmac could be converted to parking.

Jonathan Gaffney: The economic impact of National airport (10,200 jobs, $5.5 billion in annual business revenue, $700 million in taxes) is clear and significant. The economic benefit of a baseball stadium on the site are miniscule in comparison.

Washington, D.C.: What affirmative efforts are being made to get the airport open? It seems that a major PR effort is needed because so many people are making unsubstantiated comments about the safety of National based on no data whatsoever. National has one of the best safety records of any major U.S. airport. I fear that this could become a self-fulfilling spiral downwards.

Jonathan Gaffney: Right now, the region -- including all local and federal elected officials, business organizations, and thousands of people -- have made the case crystal clear of the need and importance of reopening the airport. Frankly, it has been extremely difficult to find any visible individual or group who believe that it should remain closed.

Bowie, Md.: Mr. Gaffney:
This may be a question better served to the FAA, but can you give any information as to when the temporary flight festrictions surrounding DCA will be lifted? As a student pilot, I'm wondering if and when I'll ever be able to take lessons again.

Jonathan Gaffney: It is my understanding that right now there is a 25-mile "TFR" (Temporary Flight Restriction) around the capitol which has prohibited any "non-cleared" flying. I do not know when it will be removed. You're correct in that your question is best directed to the FAA.

Arlington, Va.: Your answer to the question about whether anything at National is open was not helpful. The questioner wants to know whether the public may enter the airport terminal to patronize the business establishments there, or whether access to the terminal is restricted in the absence of airline operations.

Jonathan Gaffney: Pardon me....I'm answering as quick as I can! Unfortunately, the terminal remains closed and secured as a way to limit utility and staffing expenses.

Bethesda: It strikes me that the drive to reopen National is being pushed by economic and political forces, not by a real consideration of the extreme security risks involved. What has to happen next for us to reevaluate this insane location for an airport in our nation's capital?

Jonathan Gaffney: I would disagree. "Economic and politcal forces" have just as much right to weigh in on this discussion as anybody else. As many people are aware, there are thousands of people who have been terribly hurt by the closure of the airport and "economic and political forces" are making sure that those concerns are heard in the ongoing discussions to reopen the airport.

Washington, D.C.: Is the (insane) idea of limiting takeoffs and landings to the South still under active consideration? It's clear that anyone suggesting that option understands nothing about airports/aircraft. Also, if DCA does not reopen, they might as well blow up the new and very expensive convention center. A number of associations, law firms, etc. will undoubtedly leave the city as well. It is and will be a disaster of the highest magnitude for Washington.

Jonathan Gaffney: We believe that a "south-only" operational environment is not possible. The simple laws of physics apply. As to the economic impact of closure on the District and "close-in" suburbs, it could be severe.

Washington, D.C.: What's the status of the renovation of the original terminal -- how long will we have to walk between "The Banjo" through that bizarre mirror and neon hallway to get back to the main terminal? What will happen to TWA, NWA and others now in the horrific Terminal A?

Jonathan Gaffney: Good question becuase it gets to the larger question of construction projects at DCA and IAD. If DCA were to remain closed, the Authority's "d2" project (The $3.4 billion expansion of Dulles) would be changed dramatically in its timing and possible scope. As to the "banjo" at DCA, the Authority is committed to restoring our wonderful Termianl A (The "Old Terminal") to a passenger function and replacing the banjo with a much more appropriate, convenient facility. There is no timeline, however, as to when this will be completed.

Manassas, Va.: As a GA Pilot, I understand, but I am concerned by the TFR in place over Washington and New York. I believe that those restrictions will be lifted after a while with new restricted air space outlined. My question is whether DCA will allow GA to use your facilities or will we be banned for good.

Jonathan Gaffney: Right now, it is not clear what the new rules (security and operations) will be once the airport reopens.

Reston, Va.: Jonathan ... I've heard some people support re-opening DCA to commuter aircraft only (say 50 seats or less, maybe including RJs). Do you think DCA could survive with just that sort of service?

Jonathan Gaffney: A short answer would be no and it wouldn't really assist the region's hospitality industry or economics. In addition, it really wouldn't address the problem. As Jay Fissette from Arlington County said this week, "it's not where the plane is flying, it is who is flying it" (or something close to that!)

Honolulu, Hawaii: Given the clear security concerns, ( I lost a friend in the Pentagon, where I too once worked)and the D.C. area's need for alternative mass transit, why can't Reagan National be converted into a rapid rail connector to Dulles and BWI, or be traded with a military air site farther from the heart of the Capitol. It seems short term economic interests are overriding longer term security concerns.

Jonathan Gaffney: Frankly, part of the "longer-term" economic interests need to include the fact that neither IAD or BWI have the capacity to absorb traffic from National.

Dupont, D.C.: When DCA reopens (and it will), is it going to resume all operations, or is it possible that they'll slowly ramp up operations. I seem to remember USAir pushing a plan that would let them start by just resuming Shuttle service.

Jonathan Gaffney: One the options that has been discussed in the papers and on Capitol Hill would be a start-up of just "shuttle service."

Washington: Is there any movement to make BWI a more official part of the Airports Authority and actually coordinate efforts between the three airports?

Jonathan Gaffney: Not that I am aware of... But, as I mentioned earlier, these three airports give our region one of the very best aviation systems in the country -- if not the world.

Los Angeles, Calif.: The Washington Post earlier reported the possibility of installing biogenics technology at Reagan National Airport. This sounds like an excellent idea. Your thoughts?

Also, when can we anticipate the opening of this airport?

Thanks for taking our questions.

Jonathan Gaffney: I read the same story. Right now it is not clear what kind of security measures will be introduced at the airport consistent with it reopening.

Annandale, Va.: Forgive what might seem a ridiculous question. Has any thought been given to closing the existing National site and building a new airport which is closer than Dulles but not too close to downtown? Yes, I know it would be expensive but so would keeping closed indefinitely.

Jonathan Gaffney: Good question. A month ago, the biggest issue in all of commercial aviation in this country was the issue of capacity because delays had gotten completely out of control and were costing airlines and passengers billions of dollars. To close down any major airport -- like National -- and hope to duplicate its capacity anywhere in this region is simply not plausible. Actually building a new airport in any established metropolitan area is almost impossible.

Washington, D.C.: The issue is whether we value the safety of the Capitol and White House or the ease of using an airport on the Metro -- there is no way to protect the Capitol/White House if D.C. airspace has aircraft running in and out of it below 20,000'. I'm sorry but the law of physics works against National. If National is open -- then we must accept the strong possibility that the next target will be one of these buildings.

Jonathan Gaffney: In all do respect, that is horrible speculation on your part....and simply not based on either fact or logic.

Adams Morgan: Just wanted to say that I and all my friends fully support re-opening National Airport. But officials seem to be playing up the economic angle too much. There are no physical dangers from DCA being open that you don't have from IAD or BWI (both 2-3 minutes' flying time from downtown D.C.). Make the case to the public and I'm sure more voices will chime in to get the airport reopened.

Jonathan Gaffney: Actually, our friends at the Washington Airports Task Force have made that case to Congress as well as representatives in the Federal Government.

Alexandria, Va.: I know that the President has been saying that there is no "timeline" established for re-opening National. However, I have a flight out of National for the Thanksgiving Holidays and I am wondering if I should now find a flight out of Dulles or BWI. What is the possibility of National re-opening before the Holiday season?

Jonathan Gaffney: Wow....that's a huge question. We certainly hope it is open prior to your trip.

Washington, D.C.: When will we know of National's fate? What is next in the process?

Jonathan Gaffney: According to press reports, two "trains" are on the tracks. First, is has been reported that the President or Secretary of Transportation will make some sort of announcement on Tuesday. Second, it is reported that Congressman Moran and Senator Allen will introduce legislation on Monday to reopen the airport.

Adams Morgan, D.C.: Right now, there is a lot of talk but no answers about Reagan. I understand that you do not know if and when the airport may reopen, but do you have advice on how far in advance we should re-book flights we had purchased before Sept. 11 which leave from and arrive at DCA? Thank you!

Jonathan Gaffney: Good question. It is my understanding that each carrier at National is making their own decisions on how to book travel through the airport.

Washington, D.C.: So how did 747s take off from DCA on only 6700 feet in the past if they need 10,000?

Jonathan Gaffney: I do not believe that 747s have ever landed or taken off from National. In addition, even if they could land, I am not sure there are taxiways or gates available to handle them.

Jonathan Gaffney: I am "typed out." I am sorry that I couldn't answer more questions. Thanks to the Post for giving us this opportunity to provide some answers to some good questions. We appreciate all the support we have been given by individuals, businesses, and elected officials from througout the region. We are certainly hopeful that National will reopen in the near future. Jonathan Gaffney

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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