U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is formalizing permanent restrictions on helicopter and powered-lift aircraft operations in certain areas near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). These restrictions, which allow exceptions for essential operations, were initially put in place after the American Airlines 5342 crash and are based on preliminary recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
“After that horrific night in January, this Administration made a promise to do whatever it takes to secure the skies over our nation’s capital and ensure such a tragedy would never happen again. Today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “The safety of the American people will always be our top priority. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the NTSB on any additional actions.”
The FAA has published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) aimed at reducing midair collision risks by implementing an NTSB recommendation that prohibits certain helicopter operations when Runways 15 and 33 at DCA are active.
“We took decisive action immediately following the January 2025 midair collision to reduce risk in the airspace,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This is a key step toward ensuring these improvements remain permanent and we’re continuing to work with the NTSB to ensure an accident like this never happens again.”
The IFR will take effect immediately, but members of the public can submit written comments before a final rule is issued.
In response to the incident and NTSB guidance, the FAA has also taken several measures: establishing procedures to separate helicopter and fixed-wing traffic near DCA, closing Route 4 between Hains Point and Wilson Bridge, revising military agreements for ADS-B Out broadcasting requirements, discontinuing Pentagon takeoffs until procedural updates are complete, eliminating visual separation within five nautical miles of DCA, modifying helicopter routes further away from flight paths, and increasing support and staffing at DCA.
In October 2025, updated helicopter routes were implemented not only at DCA but also at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).
Previously, temporary flight restrictions had been imposed around DCA. The new IFR aims to make these restrictions permanent once published on January 23, 2026. The public can comment on this rule before it becomes final.
