PALM BEACH, Fla. (VINnews) — The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing permanent special flight rules around President Donald J. Trump International Airport to restrict low-flying aircraft near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, citing a Secret Service request made in the interest of national security.
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The notice of proposed rulemaking would create a Special Flight Rules Area covering a one-nautical-mile radius around Mar-a-Lago from the surface up to 2,000 feet. Aircraft operating below that altitude inside the zone would need explicit clearance, two-way radio contact with air traffic control and a continuously transmitting transponder code.
Planes arriving at or departing from the airport, formerly Palm Beach International Airport, would still be allowed into the airspace if they meet specified security criteria. The FAA has said a blanket ban would effectively close the airport’s main commercial runway. Emergency, lifesaving and law enforcement flights would also be permitted under authorization.
Temporary year-round restrictions have been in place since October 2025. The new proposal would replace those measures with a lasting rule. Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 2.
The FAA said the Secret Service sought the change because of “adverse threat intelligence” and the risk from unauthorized aircraft and drones. Fox News reported that the move follows multiple threats against Trump, including an alleged June plot in which suspects were accused of planning an attack with explosive-laden drones during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. Federal prosecutors have charged several people in that case.
Drone expert Brett Velicovich, a former U.S. Army special operations intelligence analyst, told Fox News Digital that airspace designations alone will not stop a determined attacker. He pointed to the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which the shooter used a commercially available drone to surveil the site beforehand.
“It is not good enough simply for the FAA to send a message saying this area is a no-drone zone,” Velicovich said. “When you’re a bad actor, that doesn’t matter.” He said agencies need faster deployment of active counter-drone systems.
The White House referred questions to the Secret Service, which did not immediately comment.