Air Force One flyover for Halloween party disrupts Washington air traffic

On Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, the U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One, performed two low-altitude flyovers above the White House in Washington, D.C. The maneuver was conducted as part of a Halloween party hosted by President Donald Trump for children. The unexpected aerial activity raised concerns among local residents and officials regarding the lack of sufficient prior notification.

The unscheduled flyovers prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily halt air traffic at the nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to ensure safety. According to multiple reports, both airport authorities and local city officials were notified only 15 minutes before the aircraft appeared. This lack of advance notice resulted in delays for dozens of scheduled flights in and out of the capital.

While the White House shared footage of the event on social media, describing it as an "epic flight," the incident has sparked criticism from local lawmakers. The primary concern centers on the potential disruption caused to civilian aviation and the communication protocols followed during the organization of the event.