The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing to establish permanent flight restrictions around former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. The move is being made "at the request of the Secret Service" and is intended to bolster national security by mitigating risks posed by unmanned drones and other unauthorized aircraft.
The proposed rules, detailed in a notice posted by the FAA, would create a special flight zone within one nautical mile and up to 2,000 feet in altitude around the property, officially designated as President Donald J. Trump International Airport. Aircraft seeking to enter this airspace would need to adhere to specific criteria.
According to an FAA spokesperson, the agency is proposing these "Special Air Traffic Rules for the airspace near Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT)" in the interest of national security, citing "adverse threat intelligence and the ongoing protective mission" of the Secret Service.
The Secret Service stated that the restrictions would "greatly increase the ability to mitigate the persistent risks posed by unauthorized aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating in proximity to sensitive areas." The agency, responsible for protecting presidents and first ladies for their lifetimes, highlighted the need to address ongoing threats.
This proposal follows temporary flight restrictions that were put in place in October 2025 and are set to expire in October of the current year. The FAA aims to make these protections permanent.
While flight restrictions are typical around presidential residences, the FAA noted that a blanket prohibition would "severely limit routine operations at the DJT airport and restrict access by emergency and security operators unless approved." To balance security needs with airport operations, the agency is proposing special air-traffic rules.
Under the new rules, commercial aircraft would be permitted to fly within the designated area if they meet certain conditions. These include filing a flight plan with detailed route and aircraft information, maintaining two-way radio communication, obtaining Air Traffic Control authorization, and transmitting a specific transponder code assigned by ATC.
Emergency, lifesaving, and law enforcement aircraft will also be allowed access, provided their pilots maintain communication with the DJT air traffic control tower. The FAA stated that the proposed rules aim to protect the former president and ensure the security of Mar-a-Lago while minimizing disruptions to aircraft arriving and departing the airport.
Without these airspace regulations, the primary runway at President Donald J. Trump International Airport would be rendered largely unusable, impacting regular airport operations. The former president's Mar-a-Lago residence is located less than five miles from the airport and is situated directly in the flight path of aircraft.