The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a safety protocol lapse at Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport, after commercial flights were not stopped during the Tuesday takeoff of President Trump's helicopter, Marine One. The airport is situated less than five miles from the White House, and standard procedure requires air traffic to be suspended to maintain adequate separation between aircraft when the president is flying.
The FAA confirmed that there was a "momentary loss of separation" between Marine One and a commercial flight. "The air traffic controller was in contact with both the commercial pilot and Marine One pilot during the loss of separation," an FAA statement provided to The Post indicated. The agency also stated that "the President was never in danger" and that it is reviewing the incident to implement corrective actions.
This investigation comes years after a previous incident at Reagan National Airport raised concerns about air traffic safety. On January 29, 2025, a regional jet operated by American Airlines collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on approach to the airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. The FAA's ongoing review will assess the circumstances surrounding the recent event and any necessary adjustments to safety procedures.