The FAA has announced Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for Washington, D.C., in preparation for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. These restrictions will be enforced beginning January 20 and will include the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area (DC SFRA) and the Washington D.C., Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone (DC FRZ). The FAA expects to publish these notams no later than January 15.

Restrictions for the SFRA and FRZ will affect all flight operations, including the Department of Defense, law enforcement, and air ambulance missions. These operations will require prior approval from the Air Security Operations Center (ASOC) and coordination will only be accepted within 48 hours of the notam’s effective time.

All VFR pattern operations in the SFRA will be suspended, as will uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operations. Access to smaller airports within the SFRA will also be suspended. Part 135 and Part 91 flights with an active IFR flight plan will only be allowed to operate at Dulles International Airport (KIAD), Baltimore Washington International Airport (KBWI), and Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), but transit through the SFRA will be restricted, except for specific landing procedures at these airports. Additionally, flights arriving or departing from Joint Base Andrews (KADW) or Davison Army Airfield (KDAA) must also obtain ASOC approval.

Prohibited operations within both the SFRA and FRZ include model aircraft, UAS, aerobatic maneuvers, glider operations, and activities such as banner towing and flight training. All flight waivers within the affected areas will be temporarily suspended, except for certain government-related operations.

Pilots are advised to check for updated notams and contact a flight service station for current airspace conditions before operating in the Washington, D.C. area during the inauguration.