The U.S. Army has temporarily paused helicopter flights near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This decision follows two serious near-collisions involving military helicopters and commercial airliners last week.
The 12th Aviation Battalion halted operations after a Black Hawk helicopter came too close to incoming planes. Army officials confirmed this move on Monday. The unit began the pause last Friday.
Officials noted the flights may resume once safety reviews are complete. Meanwhile, other helicopter activity continues elsewhere in the Washington, D.C., region.
This pause comes just months after a deadly midair collision involving another Army helicopter. In January, a Black Hawk crashed into a passenger jet, killing 67 people. That disaster remains the deadliest air safety near Reagan Airportincident in over two decades.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are investigating last Thursday’s close call. A Delta Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 both aborted landings. Air traffic control had redirected them due to an incoming military helicopter.
The aircraft involved was a priority air transport helicopter, known as PAT25. These helicopters often carry high-ranking Pentagon officials. In January, a similar helicopter was part of the fatal crash.
FAA officials later banned helicopters from flying in airplane-controlled airspace near Reagan Airport. Despite that restriction, exceptions continue under special circumstances.
On Sunday, three more flights had to go around due to a police helicopter’s emergency mission. All landed safely on second attempts. Still, authorities remain deeply concerned.
The FAA admitted it failed to detect early warning signs. Investigators identified 85 close calls in the Reagan airspace over three years. Many of those incidents involved helicopter traffic.
Last month, the FAA began reviewing safety at all airports with heavy helicopter traffic. Las Vegas showed similar problems. That broader review remains ongoing.
In a statement, Army officials said the recent Black Hawk followed approved FAA routes. Pentagon air traffic control ordered a go-around, and the helicopter complied.
However, critics argue the rules are still too loose. The FAA and NTSB continue to push for stricter separation between planes and helicopters.
Army leaders had only recently approved a gradual return to regular flight operations. Now, those plans are delayed again as investigations deepen.
Aviation experts warn that urgent action is needed. They say failure to act may lead to further air safety near Reagan Airport problems.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Newark Airport also suffered from delays on Monday. Thick clouds, staff shortages, and outdated radar systems caused up to four-hour wait times.
Back in Washington, air travel remains tense. Reagan Airport’s traffic levels continue to rise. So does concern about safety around its crowded airspace.
As officials assess this latest scare, public attention returns to a critical goal: preventing future disasters and preserving air safety near Reagan Airport.
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