Helicopters Scrambled After Unidentified Drone Sighting Near Air Force One

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A drone sighting near Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida, resulted in a temporary ground stop and the dispatch of helicopters to investigate the airspace. The incident occurred not far from the president’s Mar-A-Lago estate, where he had been spending the weekend.

The incident unfolded when an unidentified drone was reported flying too close to the airport during the period of restricted airspace associated with the president’s movements. Under standard protocols for presidential travel, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the area surrounding Mar-a-Lago and PBI to protect aircraft operations and secure the airspace.

A ground stop was implemented at PBI, halting taxiing and departures to allow authorities to address the potential intrusion. Helicopters were scrambled as part of the coordinated response to locate and assess the object.

“They’re not sure what it was, but apparently there was a drone that came in too close to the airport. They had to scramble some helicopters to go and investigate that,” a Delta Airlines pilot explained to passengers.

After the area was secured, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that the situation had been normalized. “At no point was there any risk to AF1 or the President’s safety,” he said.

Guglielmi noted that any helicopter activity observed was authorized and part of routine security measures, with no confirmed airspace violation tied to the reported drone. The response aligned with established procedures for unidentified aircraft or objects near presidential operations.

Air Force One departed safely once the airspace was cleared, and normal airport operations resumed shortly afterward. No injuries, damage, or disruptions beyond the temporary delay were reported.

This type of response is not uncommon during presidential visits to South Florida. When President Trump is at Mar-a-Lago or conducting activities in the Palm Beach region, military aircraft — including jets and helicopters — routinely provide support and transportation under Secret Service coordination.

Similar incidents have unfolded around Mar-A-Lago in the past, as well as the president’s Bedminster golf course in New Jersey.

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