FAA Bans Helicopter Flights Around Washington Airport
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed permanent restrictions on helicopter flights around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) following a crash over Washington’s airspace in January 2025 that killed 67 people. The decision was announced one year after a regional passenger jet operated by American Airlines collided in midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during approach.
After the accident, temporary helicopter restrictions had been put in place. With the FAA’s final rule, these measures have now become permanent. Under the new regulations, most helicopter and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft operations are prohibited in certain airspace near DCA.
The FAA stated that the accident occurred due to insufficient separation in a complex airspace where heavy commercial traffic intersects with military and civilian helicopter movements. Under the new rules, only essential missions—such as medical evacuation, law enforcement, presidential operations, and national security flights—are exempt from the ban.
Photo: CNN
