According to new Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the FAA began restricting airspace for helicopter traffic around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, effective January 31st.
In a post to X (formerly Twitter), Duffy noted that the restricted area includes Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin; Haines Point to Wilson Bridge; and over the top of DCA airport.
“Today’s decision will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic. This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding our nation’s skies and upholding the highest standards of air travel safety. We will continue to support the President’s directive to achieve uncompromised aviation safety. The American people deserve full confidence in our aviation system and today’s action is a significant step towards restoring that trust,” said Duffy.
On Wednesday evening, American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kans. was on final approach to Washington National Airport when it collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. There were three people aboard the helicopter and 64 aboard the American flight. All are believed dead. This was the worst U.S. air disaster since 2001.
The day after the collision, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said it was not clear “why the military aircraft came into the path” of the commercial aircraft. Then on Friday, Isom thanked the President, “for his leadership on aviation safety. I applaud him, Secretary Duffy and the Administration for taking quick and decisive action today to restrict helicopter activity around DCA.”
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