On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a permanent ban on helicopter routes near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following a fatal crash in January.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy presented the recommendations to the FAA, stressing the importance of shifting helicopter operations away from Reagan when runways 15 and 33 are active, and directing them to a safer alternative route.

The NTSB reported that from October 2021 to December 2024, there were 15,214 instances where commercial airplanes and helicopters came dangerously close to each other.

In response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) findings, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would take immediate action to enforce the NTSB’s recommendations. This includes extending the restrictions on helicopter operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, ensuring safer airspace management. Duffy had previously announced a temporary ban on helicopter flights following the deadly crash, with the initial restrictions set to expire in March.

American Airlines, along with other major carriers, expressed support for the new measures, emphasizing the importance of safety in airspace management. The airline industry has consistently advocated for stronger regulations to prevent near-miss incidents, and this new decision is seen as a necessary step toward enhancing overall aviation safety. American Airlines and others in the sector are closely monitoring the developments as the DOT works to implement the extended restrictions.

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