Flight attendants' union warns of safety risks from Trump's Washington arch

The Flight Attendants Association-CWA has raised safety concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C. The union, representing 55,000 flight attendants, argues the structure will sit on the final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, creating an obstacle in an already crowded flight path.

President Trump recently announced plans to convert the memorial into a “top grade military complex” capable of hosting drones, snipers, and ammunition storage. Union President Sara Nelson criticized the plan, stating that commercial aviation should not have to navigate around military assets like drones or missiles while attempting to land or take off.

The project has faced opposition from veterans' groups and members of Congress, who also cite concerns regarding the impact on historic sightlines. While the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has given early approval, a lawsuit has been filed by veterans and an architectural historian claiming the project requires Congressional approval. The Federal Aviation Administration previously stated the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft, provided it is appropriately marked.