Army Helicopter Forces Abortions of Two Flights Near DCA

Two commercial jetliners were forced to abort landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after an Army Black Hawk helicopter flew near the airport, prompting strong criticism from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other officials. The incident occurred just months after a deadly midair collision in the same area led to permanent helicopter restrictions, which were reportedly disregarded in this case. Air traffic controllers instructed the Delta and Republic Airways flights to perform go-arounds to avoid potential conflict with the helicopter, which was on approach to the Pentagon. Both the FAA and NTSB are investigating, while Army officials stated the helicopter followed approved procedures but was directed into its route by Pentagon Air Traffic Control. Officials and lawmakers, including Senator Maria Cantwell, criticized the repeated safety lapses and called for stricter enforcement to prevent further incidents. Airlines involved have pledged full cooperation with authorities during the investigation.