NORAD F-16 Intercepts Aircraft Violating Airspace Near Camp David
Fighter jet deployed flares to alert pilot of intrusion into restricted zone while president was present.
A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) F-16 fighter jet intercepted an aircraft that violated restricted airspace over Camp David in Maryland on Saturday morning. The incident occurred while President Donald Trump was spending the weekend at the presidential retreat.
NORAD officials confirmed the interception, stating that flares were deployed to gain the pilot's attention. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the restricted area. The First Air Force, part of NORAD, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the interception involved an aircraft violating restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland. They advised pilots to check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for current Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before takeoff.
There is a permanent no-fly zone over Camp David, with additional restrictions enforced when the president is present. Pilots are instructed to immediately switch to frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 if intercepted and to reverse course until further instructions are received.
Trump had arrived at Camp David on Friday evening. This is not the first time an aircraft has violated airspace near Camp David while the president was present; a similar incident occurred in June and the pilot was also safely escorted away.