FAA Implements New Safety Measures Following Deadly Reagan National Collision

The agency is increasing staffing, restricting non-essential helicopter operations, and providing stress management support after a series of incidents raised aviation safety concerns.

The FAA is increasing operational supervisor staffing at Reagan National Airport from six to eight and reviewing air traffic controller staffing levels.
Non-essential helicopter operations have been permanently restricted, and the specific route involved in the January collision has been closed.
A Critical Incident Stress Management team will provide confidential counseling to air traffic controllers, with regular wellness checks also planned.
The FAA is reassessing the airport's arrival rates, which are heavily concentrated in the last 30 minutes of each hour, as part of broader safety reforms.
Recent incidents, including a near-miss between a Delta jet and Air Force planes and a fight in the control tower, highlight ongoing operational pressures and safety challenges.