Flights Diverted At Reagan National Airport During Police Helicopter ‘Urgent Mission’

Several flights heading to Reagan National Airport had to be redirected over the weekend as a police helicopter completed an "urgent mission," according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Zak Failla

05/05/2025 11:52 a.m.

At least three flights had to make a second approach because a US Park Police helicopter was reportedly in the area searching for missing persons.

The redirected flights on Sunday, May 4, came days after two other flights had to abort landing plans at the airport due to a US Army Black Hawk helicopter that was flying in the area.

Following the diverted flights on Sunday, the FAA issued a statement clarifying the incidents.

"The FAA does not allow helicopters and airplanes to simultaneously operate in the airspace around Reagan Washington National Airport except in rare circumstances," officials said.

"Accordingly, air traffic control cancelled landing clearances for three flights earlier today (May 4) while a police helicopter was on an urgent mission in that airspace."

All three flights landed without incident after making second approaches.

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