NORAD F-16s intercept many general aviation aircraft violating temporary flight restrictions

The restrictions were located over Bedminster and East Rutherford, and three of the aircraft that violated the airspace were intercepted by NORAD F-16 fighter jets.

By Kevin Killough

Published: July 20, 2026 8:47am

More than 10 general aviation aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said on Sunday.

The restrictions were located over Bedminster and East Rutherford, and three of the aircraft that violated the airspace were intercepted by NORAD F-16 fighter jets. For two of the intercepted aircraft, the F-16s had to fire flares to get the pilots' attention.

"Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground," NORAD said in a statement.

All the aircraft were escorted safely out of the area. The agency asked pilots who are intercepted by NORAD aircraft to tune their radios to 121.5 or 243.0, known as the guard frequency, and to check Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions before flights.