FAA Proposes Permanent Airspace Restrictions Over Mar-a-Lago, Citing National Security

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing permanent special flight rules restricting aircraft operations around President Donald Trump's private Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, citing national security concerns.

Restricted Airspace Stemming from Secret Service Request

In a proposal released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FAA seeks to "implement certain special air traffic rules" in the airspace around Donald J. Trump International Airport, formerly known as Palm Beach International Airport.

The proposal states that "the U.S. Secret Service has requested that the FAA restrict aircraft operations around Mar-a-Lago." The estate sits directly across from the airport's flight path, potentially creating issues for arriving and departing flights. DJT Airport has three runways: 28R/10L, 28L/10R, and 14/32. Among these, 28R/10L is the main runway for commercial operations.

The proposal says: "If the FAA establishes a no-fly zone, aircraft would essentially be unable to use runway 28R/10L." The FAA added that "imposing a flight ban over the Mar-a-Lago Club would severely limit access to DJT Airport" because runway 14/32 is 3,000 feet shorter than the main runway.

The FAA previously implemented temporary restrictions in October, prohibiting aircraft flights within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 2,000 feet in altitude around Mar-a-Lago around the clock, citing Secret Service security concerns. The proposed rule would replace the current temporary restrictions with permanent special flight rules.

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