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DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Thursday that the restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift operating in certain areas in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's (DCA) airspace are being formalized and made permanent by the FAA.
The restrictions were implemented following the midair collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a CRJ700 operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 on January 29, 2025. The crash killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft. Mixed traffic around DCA was restricted and the helicopter routes were changed following the NTSB recommendations in Oct. 2025.
"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 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."
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The FAA has published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that should significantly reduce midair-collision risks and prohibits certain helicopter operations when Runways 15 and 33 at DCA are in use and will take effect immediately. Other restrictions include eliminating the use of visual separation within 5 nautical miles of DCA and closing Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge. Restricted aircraft will be allowed to operate when conducting essential operations, according to the FAA.
"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."