NTSB Calls for Helicopter Ban Near Certain Runways at Reagan Airport in Wake of Deadly Collision

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also restricted helicopter traffic from operating over the Potomac River at DCA until March 31.

Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Jennifer Homendy speaks during a news conference at the headquarters of NTSB in Washington on March 11, 2025, Alex Wong/Getty Images

Helicopter operations should be banned near certain runways at Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, according to officials on Tuesday.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy said during a press conference that the agency is pushing for permanent changes following the deadly mid-air collision at DCA earlier this year. This includes prohibiting helicopter operations when runways 15 and 33 at DCA are being used.