The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a permanent restriction on helicopter flights near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, citing serious safety concerns after a tragic midair collision earlier this year.

The decision follows recommendations from federal investigators who warned that continued helicopter activity in the area “poses an intolerable risk.”

The restriction formalizes temporary measures enacted after the January 29 crash, which involved a passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people aboard the aircraft.

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The FAA’s new order, issued Friday, allows a few exceptions, including presidential flights, law enforcement operations, and emergency medical missions.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) had recently criticized the FAA for not addressing the growing dangers of airspace congestion in the D.C. region.

“The erosion of U.S. and allied shipbuilding capabilities poses an urgent threat to military readiness, reduces economic opportunities, and contributes to global supply chain vulnerabilities,” the NTSB noted, pointing to a disturbing rise in near misses involving helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Beyond Washington, the FAA has broadened its investigation to include other cities where helicopters frequently operate in heavily trafficked airspace. The review covers eight major metro areas: Boston, New York, Baltimore-Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles.

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Additionally, the agency is examining offshore helicopter operations along the Gulf Coast, where dense air traffic and challenging flying conditions pose further safety risks.

Military officials have voiced their support for the FAA’s actions, recognizing the need for improved aviation protocols. “The Army supports the FAA’s efforts to improve aviation safety around the nation’s capital and will use alternative routes to mitigate impacts on training and readiness,” Army spokesman Matt Ahearn said Friday.

The permanent flight restriction will have significant implications for the U.S. Army’s 12th Aviation Battalion, which operates out of Davison Army Air Field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The unit is tasked with critical missions, including transporting high-ranking military and government officials and ensuring continuity of government in case of a national emergency.

The now-closed flight route was a routine part of their operations, and military planners will need to adjust to new flight paths.

The Senate Commerce Committee is set to address these concerns at a hearing on March 27, where Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, director of Army aviation, is expected to testify.

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy will also appear before the committee to discuss the broader implications of the new safety measures.

In a letter to Braman, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) pressed for more transparency regarding the Army’s helicopter operations, specifically questioning whether Black Hawk flights regularly operate without transmitting location data.

He also sought clarity on how frequently these flights are conducted for dignitary transport and other high-level missions.

The FAA’s decision underscores the ongoing challenges of managing complex airspace in a major metropolitan area where military, commercial, and civilian aviation activities intersect.

While the restrictions will undoubtedly impact military operations, the FAA maintains that prioritizing public safety is paramount.

With a growing number of near collisions reported in recent years, aviation authorities hope that these changes will prevent future tragedies.

The coming Senate hearing will likely provide additional insight into how the FAA and military leaders plan to balance safety with operational requirements in the skies above the nation’s capital.

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