F-16s scrambled, flares fired after security scare near Trump’s Air Force One at Palm Beach airport

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: F-16 fighter jets were scrambled and flares were deployed on Sunday, March 29, after a civilian aircraft breached restricted airspace near President Donald Trump’s Air Force One. 

The security scare at Palm Beach International Airport caused an immediate ground stop just hours before Trump’s scheduled departure.

NORAD intercepts civilian aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport

The high-stakes response began when a general aviation plane lost radio contact and entered a Temporary Flight Restriction zone.

This restricted airspace was active due to the president's presence in Florida. To gain the pilot's attention, military jets used flares, which are a standard visual signal in such situations.

According to a statement shared by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), “The civilian aircraft violated the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) at approximately 1:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft.”

The command further clarified the use of military hardware, stating, “The flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot. Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground.”

Official statements on Trump's safety and security scare

The White House and Secret Service were quick to confirm that the president was not in any danger. At the time of the airspace breach, Trump was at the Trump International Golf Course.

A White House official told The New York Post, “A general aviation aircraft was briefly out of communication with the air traffic control tower at Palm Beach International Airport, but contact was ultimately established and the ground stop was lifted.” 

The official also addressed early rumors that a drone had caused the chaos, adding, “There was no drone incursion or concern regarding Air Force One, which is not slated to take off until this evening.”

Resolving confusion over the airport ground stop

The security scare caused significant delays, with some pilots on the tarmac informing passengers that helicopters were being sent to investigate a potential drone.

However, the Secret Service later debunked these specific claims.

A spokesperson for the agency noted, “While airspace violations are relatively common, particularly outside of Washington, DC, that helicopter referenced in the tweet was actually authorized for that specific area and was not related to a drone or Temporary Flight Restriction, TFR, violation.”

When asked for comment, the FAA told The New York Post that “operations are normal after the FAA slowed traffic at Palm Beach International Airport due to volume.”