FAA Creates No-Fly Zone Following Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Aircraft and drones are restricted from flying within 5 nm of the site of the collision in Baltimore as rescue helicopters search for victims.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 01:19 PM ET

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A ship crashed into Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday morning, causing a collapse. [Courtesy: StreamTime Live/YouTube]

Key Takeaways:

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being struck by a container ship, prompting the FAA to issue a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the area.
The TFR is in place to protect extensive salvage and rescue missions, with a specific warning issued to drone pilots not to interfere with emergency aircraft.
Rescue crews are actively searching for six missing individuals, with efforts complicated by the deep and cold water conditions at the incident site.

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The FAA has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) regarding flight restrictions in place around Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed Tuesday morning after a container ship collided with it. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) covers the bridge and the surrounding Inner Harbor.

The NOTAM was issued to protect aircraft performing painstaking salvage and rescue missions in the area, which could be hindered by other aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard said it deployed boats and a helicopter to the site. Several emergency helicopters are visible on Flightradar24. These aircraft are typically equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors and other cameras to search for victims.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.