Robert Besser
15 Mar 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that helicopters will be permanently banned from flying near Washington Reagan National Airport when two smaller runways are in use. This decision follows a mid-air crash in January that killed 67 people.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended the change, warning that helicopters were at risk of colliding with planes. Duffy also agreed to create a new helicopter route to improve safety.

In the January 29 crash, a Black Hawk military helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet over the Potomac River, killing everyone on board. After the crash, the FAA temporarily restricted helicopter flights near the airport.

Airlines are now asking the FAA to permanently reduce helicopter traffic near Reagan National, except for essential medical or military flights. The FAA is also reviewing helicopter routes near other major airports.

Duffy has called for ending non-essential military helicopter flights near Reagan National.

"If we have generals who are flying in helicopters for convenience through this airspace, that is not acceptable. Get a damn Suburban and drive - you don't need to take a helicopter," he said.