NORAD F-16 Intercepts Aircraft Over Camp David as Trump Stays at Presidential Retreat

A NORAD F-16 fighter jet intercepted a general aviation aircraft Saturday morning after it entered restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland, near Camp David, while President Donald Trump was at the presidential retreat, officials said. The incident occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m. EDT, according to the Defense Department.

Camp David is protected by permanent airspace restrictions, with additional temporary flight restrictions imposed when the president is present. Federal authorities had announced that NORAD would enforce a presidential Temporary Flight Restriction over Thurmont from Sept. 18 through Sept. 20.

During the interception, the NORAD aircraft released flares to attract the civilian pilot’s attention and establish communication. The aircraft was then safely escorted out of the restricted area, according to DVIDS. Officials said the flares burn out quickly and completely and do not pose a danger to people on the ground.

“Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should immediately come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies,” the release said.

Trump traveled to Camp David on Friday evening, where he was spending the weekend.

The First Air Force, which is part of NORAD, also addressed the incident on social media Saturday, reminding pilots to review current flight restrictions before taking off.

“Pilots! @NORADCommand fighter aircraft intercepted an aircraft violating restricted airspace over Thurmont, MD, resulting in flares being deployed,” the First Air Force, part of NORAD, wrote on X on Saturday. “Make sure to check NOTAMs before takeoff to ensure you have current information about TFRs in your area. Stay Safe, Fly Informed!”

The interception was not the first such incident involving aircraft entering restricted airspace near Camp David while Trump was present. A similar aircraft interception occurred in June while the president was staying at the Maryland retreat, with the pilot also being safely escorted from the restricted area.

The latest incident highlights the procedures NORAD uses to respond when civilian aircraft enter presidentially protected airspace. DVIDS said the Continental U.S. NORAD Region at Tyndall Air Force Base was the operational lead for Saturday’s mission.