Security officials make last-minute decision to close airspace over Manhattan

Early this morning, the FAA published a notice to airmen (notam) establishing a large temporary flight restriction over the Island of Manhattan beginning at 3 p.m. EDT and effective until midnight. The TFR prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial airline and news media) below 10,000 feet msl over Manhattan. Authorities stress that no specific credible threat has been received, but the late-night, short-notice notam was issued as an extra precautionary measure because of large crowds expected for Fourth of July fireworks over New York Harbor.

The TFR runs from Governor's Island to Liberty State Park, and north along the west bank of the Hudson River to a point north of the George Washington Bridge and then south along the east bank of the East River to Governor's Island. The TFR effectively closes the Hudson and East River corridors and the airspace over the George Washington Bridge, a key reporting point for Teterboro and Caldwell airports.

Another TFR has been established around the state capitol building in Albany, extending for a 1.5-nm radius below 1,500 feet agl. That TFR remains in effect indefinitely.

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