The Federal Aviation Administration issued a permanent flight-restriction order on October 23, 2025, creating a one-nautical-mile, surface-to-2,000-foot no-fly ring around former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Previously, temporary restrictions were activated only when the president was in residence; the new rule applies 24/7 for at least one year, citing multiple security incidents, including an FBI investigation into a structure along the presidential flight path at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
General-aviation pilots and helicopter tour operators must now obtain TSA waivers or reroute around the restricted airspace, which sits directly under PBI’s primary arrival corridor. The National Business Aviation Association estimates the detours will add three to five minutes of flight time and could reduce PBI’s hourly arrival rate during peak periods. Commercial airlines have begun modeling new approach profiles to maintain schedule reliability.
Local business interests worry the restrictions will erode Palm Beach’s appeal as a private-aviation gateway for high-net-worth visitors, particularly during the winter yacht-show season. The FAA counters that similar permanent presidential flight restrictions exist over President Biden’s Wilmington residence and George W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, and have minimal economic impact once operators adapt.
Companies arranging incentive trips or executive retreats in South Florida should advise charter providers to file alternate routes early and confirm slot availability at nearby airports such as Fort Lauderdale Executive. Drone operators face a complete ban within the restricted zone, with civil penalties up to US $30,000 for violations.
General-aviation pilots and helicopter tour operators must now obtain TSA waivers or reroute around the restricted airspace, which sits directly under PBI’s primary arrival corridor. The National Business Aviation Association estimates the detours will add three to five minutes of flight time and could reduce PBI’s hourly arrival rate during peak periods. Commercial airlines have begun modeling new approach profiles to maintain schedule reliability.
Local business interests worry the restrictions will erode Palm Beach’s appeal as a private-aviation gateway for high-net-worth visitors, particularly during the winter yacht-show season. The FAA counters that similar permanent presidential flight restrictions exist over President Biden’s Wilmington residence and George W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, and have minimal economic impact once operators adapt.
Companies arranging incentive trips or executive retreats in South Florida should advise charter providers to file alternate routes early and confirm slot availability at nearby airports such as Fort Lauderdale Executive. Drone operators face a complete ban within the restricted zone, with civil penalties up to US $30,000 for violations.
