Dominion Energy, which supplies electric power to Reagan National Airport, took the blame for Wednesday night’s brief blackout.
“The power outage Wednesday night @Reagan_Airport at 9:36 p.m. was due to an underground equipment failure,” spokeman David Botkins tweeted Thursday morning, August 16.
The power outage Wednesday night (8/16) @Reagan_Airport at 9:36pm was due to an underground equipment failure that was restored by 10:59pm. We appreciate the patience, collaboration & assistance of the airport and its passengers. @ChuckDomEnergy
— David Botkins (@DavidDomEnergy) August 16, 2018
Equipment failure was suspected but until that tweet, no one sure why Reagan National Airport lost power for 90 minutes on Aug. 15.
The airport went dark around 9:36 p.m. Generators lit some areas, and the outside lights, including runway lights, stayed lit.
One emergency generator was seen emitting smoke. The fire department showed up and determined that there was no flame, just smoke.
Some areas had no lights at all.
This is what Terminal C at DCA looks like right now, where my wife is presently attempting to return home… pic.twitter.com/koLZs8K4g0
— Tim Stevens (@Tim_Stevens) August 16, 2018
Power was restored at 10:59 p.m.
Generator backup power is providing lighting to several areas of the terminal. Updates to follow. (10:35pm) pic.twitter.com/SjdBsUxGfu
— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) August 16, 2018
Despite the power outage, airport operations weren’t much affected.
CBS TV reported, “Arrival and departure flights were halted temporarily, but resumed operations after a short time.
“The runway lights were still working, as well as some of the lights on the outside.”
Video of the #PowerOutage at @Reagan_Airport. Still down after ~15 minutes. pic.twitter.com/Liu5QsbiMv
— Samuel Breslow (@sdkb42) August 16, 2018
Andrew Trull, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, told NBC that “a majority of the flights (had) already landed or departed” by the time the power went out, USA Today reported.
Baggage handlers had the hardest time coping with the darkness.
Lone guy handing bags out by hand calling flight numbers pic.twitter.com/Ofm5JfrohF
— Heather Timmons (@HeathaT) August 16, 2018
QZ reporter heather Timmons tweeted, “Baggage claim can’t do anything to help find luggage or take claims at the airport because all their computers are down.”
Baggage claim can't do anything to help find luggage or take claims at the airport because all their computers are down. "Call the 800 number," the American Airlines woman said. "There's nothing else I can tell you"
— Heather Timmons (@HeathaT) August 16, 2018
One lone baggage handler with a flashlight and a list was calling out flight numbers and passing out bags by hand.
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