The FAA has permanently shut down a helicopter route near Reagan National Airport after a tragic midair collision on January 29, 2025, that killed 67 people.

An NTSB investigation revealed over 15,200 near-miss incidents since 2021, with many helicopters exceeding altitude limits. The crash occurred at 300 feet when a jet descended toward a helicopter above its 200-foot limit.

To improve safety, the FAA is restricting helicopter traffic, except for emergency and government flights. The agency is also using AI to analyze safety risks. A Senate hearing on March 27 will review the impact of these measures.