North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that entered a temporary flight restriction zone over New Jersey on Sunday. The airspace was restricted near Bedminster and East Rutherford, where the FIFA World Cup final was taking place.
More than 10 general aviation aircraft entered the restricted zone throughout the day, with NORAD actively intercepting three of them. During two of these intercepts, NORAD aircraft deployed flares to get the attention of the pilots. These flares were described by NORAD as burning out quickly and posing no danger to the public.
NORAD stated that all intercepted general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted area by NORAD aircraft. The command urged pilots to check for official notices to airmen (NOTAMS) and temporary flight restrictions before entering any airspace.
"Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should immediately come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies," NORAD advised.