F-16 jets scramble after airspace breach near Donald Trump at Florida airport

Florida: A security alert at Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday prompted the launch of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft after a civilian plane breached airspace restrictions near US President Donald Trump, according to US officials.

The incident led to a temporary ground stop at the airport as fighter jets from the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted the aircraft. The breach occurred within a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone established around the presidential area.

In a statement, NORAD said the jets intercepted the general aviation aircraft over Palm Beach at around 1:15pm local time on 29 March. The aircraft had entered restricted airspace without authorisation.

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The fighter jets safely escorted the plane out of the area. During the interception, flares were deployed to alert the pilot and convey instructions. Officials stressed that the flares are designed with safety in mind, burn out quickly and pose no risk to people on the ground.

“The civilian aircraft violated the Temporary Flight Restriction at approximately 1:15pm Eastern Daylight Time,” the statement said. “The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. Flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot.”

NORAD also advised that any intercepted civilian aircraft should immediately tune to emergency frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 and follow instructions, including reversing course if directed.

The White House said the alert was triggered after communication with the aircraft was briefly lost, but emphasised that there was no danger to either Air Force One or the president.

A US official added that contact with the aircraft was later restored and the ground stop at the airport was lifted. There was no indication of a drone threat, and Air Force One was not scheduled to depart until later in the day.

At the time of the incident, Trump was at his nearby golf property, Trump International Golf Club.