The U.S. military scrambled F-16 fighter jets on Saturday to intercept three civilian aircraft that violated Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) near Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate of President Donald Trump, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
In a press release, NORAD, the unauthorized flights took place at approximately 11:05 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 12:50 p.m. EST.
#NORAD F-16s intercepted 3 civilian aircraft violating airspace restrictions over Palm Beach, FL today. Flares were deployed during two intercepts. All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area. Reminder: Always check FAA NOTAMs! pic.twitter.com/NbSd9IcU0Q
— 1st AF/America’s AOC (@1stAF) March 1, 2025
In two of the three interceptions, the F-16s deployed flares—a standard procedure used to gain a pilot’s attention or communicate an immediate need to alter course. NORAD emphasized that the flares are designed to burn out quickly and pose no threat to people or property on the ground.
All three aircraft were “safely escorted” out of the area by a NORAD aircraft, according to NORAD.
NORAD Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot urged aircrews to review the Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before flying.
The FAA issues NOTAMs to inform pilots of restricted zones and other airspace limitations. TFRs are issued when high-profile individuals such as the President or former Presidents are present at a specific location.
“NORAD and the FAA work closely together to keep the skies over America safe, with close attention paid to areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions,” Guillot said.
“Ensuring compliance with TFR procedures is essential to preventing unnecessary security incidents and ensuring the protection of designated areas,” he added.
This is not the first time NORAD has had to respond to a security breach over Mar-a-Lago. In 2017, during Trump’s first term as president, F-15 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept an unresponsive aircraft near the estate. The high-speed response created a sonic boom, alarming residents in the area.
