Opening remark: I dislike the fragmentation of the new FT forum organization. I looked for this topic in all the airport forums and found it not. I'm glad you posted in a frequented forum. Some moderator will say "discipline!" and move it to a deserted forum soon I'm sure.

As to the thread topic, I cannot imagine the government closing DCA before exhausting all possible security improvement ideas... including special point security at airports with flights to DCA. It may be closed for several days or weeks but the trek to IAD or BWI is difficult without high speed rail service. The DCA northern approach is rich with high risk targets but our experts must be able to come up with ideas that will allow it to be a functional airport for all citizens.