By Jim Thomas
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 2:33 PM EDT
Palm Beach International Airport in Florida implemented a temporary ground stop Sunday after helicopters were scrambled to investigate an incident involving the departure of Air Force One with President Donald Trump aboard.
A Delta Air Lines pilot informed passengers on a commercial flight at the airport that authorities had ordered the measure. The pilot stated, “In the meantime, they’re basically doing what’s called a ground stop to prevent any aircraft from moving.” The stop was expected to last only a few minutes.
The ground stop was lifted shortly afterward, and normal operations resumed, according to social media updates from the scene. Air Force One departed safely with no injuries reported.
An eyewitness account on social media described the incident as involving a drone that flew too close to the airport during the presidential aircraft’s takeoff. The pilot’s announcement did not specify the cause beyond the need for an investigation.
No immediate statement was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Secret Service. The event occurred as Trump left the Palm Beach area.
