NewsUS NewsUnited StatesF-16 fighter jets took to the air to make an interception over Washington DC at around 11.15am today after a civilian aircraft violated restricted airspace21:12, 19 May 2026Updated 22:03, 19 May 2026Fighter jets were scrambled over Washington DC with residents reportedly hearing a 'sonic boom' today.‌The F-16 planes took to the air to make an interception after a civilian aircraft violated restricted airspace around 11.15am.‌Residents heard the sonic boom as the jets flew to escort the plane from a restricted area over the US capital. Washington DC is protected by one of the most tightly controlled airspace zones, known as the Special Flight Rules Area.‌Pilots must follow strict procedures and maintain constant communication with air traffic control to prevent unauthorised incursions within the 30-nautical-mile radius.Content cannot be displayed without consentREAD MORE: NATO fighter jet scrambled as drone shot down over Europe – 'We had to down it'READ MORE: Iran war live: Trump was 'an hour away' from unleashing huge new strike on IranThe US air force confirmed fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a "general aviation aircraft" which violated restricted airspace. It was escorted away from the area.‌It also reminded pilots to be aware and keep up-to-date on areas with restrictions including around Washington DC and Mar-a-Lago in Florida where Donald Trump has his home.North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) wrote on X: "Earlier today, NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region safely intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated #FAA restricted airspace over the United States National Capital Region, and escorted it clear of the area without further incident."Pilots are reminded to check all #FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), including in the National Capital Region and Mar-a-Lago regions."‌A statement from NORAD also read: "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."NORAD employs a layered defence network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats. The identification and monitoring of the civilian aircraft demonstrate how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and control missions for the United States and Canada."The reminder to pilots comes due to the frequency of planes drifting into restricted areas. There have been multiple similar cases in recent months of planes entering into prohibited airspace where Trump has been staying.Article continues belowLast September there were reportedly six unauthorised planes which entered restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, over just one weekend while Trump was staying at his golf course.It led to NORAD being activated with jets investigating the trespass and intercepting the planes. In the incidents over Bedminster they were all small private aircraft which were directed away from the Trump National Golf Club, according to the US Air Force, which intercepted one of the planes with F-16 fighter jets.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌United StatesBreaking News