Critical Recommendation to Reroute Helicopter Traffic Near Reagan National

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urges a safety recommendation to prevent helicopters from flying near Washington's Reagan National Airport when specific runways are operational, following a fatal mid-air collision. The NTSB suggests an alternate route, while airlines push for reduced helicopter activity and stricter FAA evaluations.

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued an urgent safety recommendation aimed at preventing helicopters from flying near Washington's Reagan National Airport during the use of two lesser-used runways. This comes after a tragic mid-air collision in January that claimed 67 lives.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted the substantial risk to aviation safety under the current rules for these runways, noting potential near misses between helicopters and planes. Following this incident, the FAA imposed temporary restrictions and is reviewing NTSB's initial findings. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to address these concerns in a briefing.

Airlines for America, representing major U.S. carriers, has called on the FAA to significantly reduce helicopter operations around the airport. They seek an evaluation of conflicting routes and an immediate review of air traffic near larger airports. The FAA is also looking to curb non-essential military helicopter flights near Reagan National.

(With inputs from agencies.)