Two commercial flights, Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 and Republic Airways Flight 5825, were forced to abort their landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport due to an Army Black Hawk helicopter entering restricted airspace. This incident has sparked outrage among officials, as helicopter traffic in the area has been limited since a deadly collision in January. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to flight procedures. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed his frustration on social media, while Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell highlighted the ongoing risks of military flights in the region, calling for enhanced air safety measures. The Army stated that the helicopter was following approved flight procedures as directed by Pentagon air traffic control and reiterated its commitment to aviation safety.

Two commercial flights were instructed to abort their landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport due to the presence of an Army Black Hawk helicopter in restricted airspace, an area that has had limited helicopter traffic since a fatal collision in January.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, as it raises significant concerns about adherence to flight safety regulations and the potential risks posed by military flights near civilian airspace.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly criticized the disregard for established helicopter restrictions and announced plans to discuss the issue with the Defense Department to prevent future occurrences.

The Army explained that the helicopter was directed by Pentagon air traffic control to perform a 'go-around' over the Pentagon helipad, following approved flight procedures, and reaffirmed its dedication to aviation safety.

Senator Ted Cruz, leading the Senate's transportation committee, emphasized the persistent dangers of military flights in the National Capital Region, advocating for legislative measures to enhance civilian air safety.

Senator Maria Cantwell, a leading Democrat on the same committee, joined in criticizing the proximity of military flights to commercial air traffic, urging the Defense Secretary and the FAA to prioritize airspace security and safety.

The incident underscores the tension between military and civilian aviation activities in the highly sensitive airspace around the nation's capital, prompting calls for improved coordination and stricter enforcement of flight safety procedures.