NORAD fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace over New Jersey during the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, as U.S. President Donald Trump attended the match under heightened security.

According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), more than 10 civilian aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over Bedminster and East Rutherford, with three requiring interception by U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets.

F-16s Deployed During Airspace Violations

NORAD said F-16s safely intercepted and escorted the aircraft out of the restricted area established to protect the president during the high-profile sporting event. During two of the intercepts, the fighter jets deployed flares to attract the pilots’ attention.

The command stressed that the flares are designed for safety, burn out quickly and pose no danger to people on the ground.

World Cup Final Under Tight Security

President Trump attended the FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to establish temporary flight restrictions over the area.

Temporary flight restrictions, often referred to as no-fly zones, are routinely imposed around the U.S. president to enhance security during public appearances.

NORAD Issues Reminder to Pilots

NORAD urged all general aviation pilots to review FAA Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and temporary flight restrictions before departure to avoid entering restricted airspace.

The command also reminded pilots that if intercepted by military aircraft, they should immediately tune to emergency frequencies 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz and reverse course until receiving further instructions.

All aircraft involved in Sunday’s violations were safely escorted out of the restricted airspace without further incident, NORAD said.