FAA proposes shutting down airspace over Mar-a-Lago after Secret Service issues major security warning
Formerly Palm Beach International Airport, the site was officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport in July
AbJimroe
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing new flight rules near Trump International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, after security concerns about Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's residence.
The agency's plan outlines flight restrictions within a one-nautical-mile radius, extending up to 2,000 feet around the property, which is near the airport.
The FAA noted that the U.S. Secret Service requested these measures based on threat intelligence, stating the changes would "greatly increase the ability to mitigate the persistent risks posed by unauthorized aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.”
While the FAA routinely broadens flight limits whenever the president or vice president travels outside Washington, wider restrictions will also remain in effect during Trump's visits to Mar-a-Lago.
Scheduled commercial flights will still be allowed within the designated airspace if they comply with established procedures, avoiding what would otherwise render the Palm Beach airport's main runway unusable.
Exceptions also apply to lifesaving, emergency, and law enforcement aircraft.
Operators of these flights must get prior authorization and maintain two-way radio communication with air traffic control.
Formerly Palm Beach International Airport, the site was officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport in July, adding to a list of government programs and structures named for the president.
“A very big day in Palm Beach, Florida, where it was my Great Honor to have the Palm Beach International Airport be renamed, by a spectacular vote, The President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” Trump beamed on Truth Social at the time.
“The Area is HOT, the Location is GREAT, and the Renovation will be SPECTACULAR. Thank you to all in Palm Beach for your Vote and your Confidence. This will soon be one of the Greatest and Most Spectacular Airports anywhere in the World!”
The airport ranks third locally in daily travelers, behind Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, according to Fly XO.
Aircraft operations have previously been banned around seven presidential and vice presidential properties, with the latest instance occurring in 2001 near Crawford, Texas, site of a ranch owned by former president George W. Bush. Those rules remain active, despite a reduction in their geographic boundary in 2010.
