F-16s intercept jets near Trump at World Cup

The North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted multiple civilian aircraft Sunday after they violated temporary flight restrictions over northern New Jersey, where security measures were in place during President Donald Trump's attendance at the FIFA World Cup final.

NORAD said more than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford. Three of those aircraft required intercepts by F-16 fighter jets.

During two of the intercepts, the fighter jets deployed flares to attract the attention of the civilian pilots.

NORAD said the flares were used in accordance with established safety procedures, burned out quickly and completely, and posed no danger to people on the ground. The flares may have been visible to residents in the area.

All of the aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted airspace without incident, according to NORAD.

Temporary flight restrictions were established as part of security operations surrounding Trump's visit to New Jersey for the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also attended the match.

Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, said the repeated violations underscored the importance of pilots reviewing flight restrictions before taking off.

"Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the president," Guillot said. "The procedures are not optional, and the excessive number of TFR violations this weekend indicates that many civil aviators are not reading Notice to Airmen, or NOTAMs, before each flight as required by the FAA."

NORAD urged pilots to check all applicable Notices to Airmen and temporary flight restrictions before departure to avoid unauthorized entries into restricted airspace.

The command also reminded pilots of the procedures to follow if intercepted by military aircraft. Pilots should immediately establish radio contact on emergency frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 MHz, reverse course as directed, and comply with instructions from military aircraft and air traffic controllers.

Military intercepts of civilian aircraft are uncommon but occur periodically when pilots enter restricted airspace established for presidential travel, national security operations, or major public events.

Such restrictions are routinely imposed around presidential movements and other high-security activities.

NORAD, the joint U.S.-Canadian command responsible for aerospace warning and control across North America, said it remains prepared to respond to unauthorized aircraft entering restricted airspace and urged general aviation pilots to remain vigilant before every flight.