F-16s Respond To Airspace Violations Over Mar-a-Lago As Unauthorized Aircraft Fly Too Close

F-16 fighter jets were sent into action twice over the weekend after civilian planes entered the restricted airspace surrounding President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that the unauthorized flights occurred on Saturday morning and again on Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 8:50 a.m. Saturday, an aircraft was detected inside the no-fly zone, prompting a swift response from NORAD. A second aircraft breached the airspace at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, requiring another military interception. In both cases, fighter jets used flares as a warning to the pilots to leave the restricted area.

NORAD Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot expressed frustration with the growing number of airspace violations, noting that since Trump took office, there have been more than 20 incidents of civilian aircraft ignoring flight restrictions over Palm Beach. He warned that many pilots are not reviewing NOTAMs before takeoff, despite clear regulations in place.

The FAA and NORAD continue to work together to enforce temporary flight restrictions, emphasizing that pilots must remain aware of restricted zones. While these weekend incidents did not pose an immediate threat, officials have reiterated the seriousness of violating presidential airspace protections.

Airspace incursions near Mar-a-Lago have become a frequent issue, requiring ongoing military readiness to respond to potential threats. NORAD has urged pilots to exercise greater caution to avoid future confrontations with military aircraft.

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