Trump’s Bedminster visit triggers temporary flight restrictions, what happened?

Two general aviation aircraft were intercepted by US fighter jets Sunday after entering restricted airspace near President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he was attending a LIV Golf event.

The aircraft were safely escorted out of the temporary flight restriction zone by F-16 fighter jets, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The incident occurred as heightened security measures were in place around Trump's visit to the New Jersey property.

F-16s escort aircraft out of restricted zone

NORAD said the two aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions established around the area where Trump was attending the golf tournament.

The military aircraft responded by intercepting the planes and escorting them away from the restricted airspace. NORAD did not report any threat to the president or others at the event.

The command also did not identify the aircraft or their pilots.

Officials have not determined whether the pilots knowingly entered the restricted area or accidentally crossed into it.

FAA to determine why planes entered restricted airspace

NORAD said it was not in a position to determine whether the airspace violations were intentional or the result of pilot error.

That decision will fall to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

NORAD reminded pilots that they are responsible for checking current FAA notices and temporary flight restrictions before operating aircraft in affected areas.

Temporary flight restrictions are routinely imposed around presidential movements and other sensitive events.

Trump was attending LIV Golf event in Bedminster

Trump was in Bedminster on Sunday attending the LIV Golf tournament at his New Jersey club.

The president was scheduled to return to Washington later in the day.

The White House had not immediately commented on the incident.

The airspace restrictions around Trump's movements are part of the security arrangements used when the president travels outside Washington. Military aircraft can be deployed to respond when an aircraft enters a restricted zone without authorization.

What happens to pilots who violate flight restrictions?

Entering temporary restricted airspace does not necessarily mean a pilot deliberately ignored a security warning.

Pilots are expected to review FAA flight restrictions and notices before flying, and authorities can investigate whether an incursion resulted from a misunderstanding, navigation error or other circumstances.

In Sunday's incident, NORAD's decision to escort the aircraft out of the area rather than report a confrontation underscored that there was no immediate indication of a hostile threat.

The incident nonetheless highlights the tight security protocols surrounding presidential travel, particularly when Trump is attending large public events such as the LIV Golf tournament.

(With Reuters inputs)