Air Force One to refuel in Anchorage as Trump heads to Asia this week

By SUZANNE DOWNING

May 11, 2026 – As President Donald Trump heads to Asia this week, Alaska aviators are getting advance notice that Anchorage-area airspace will briefly tighten twice during his expected refueling stops at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, covering Anchorage airspace for Tuesday, May 12, and Friday, May 15. The restrictions are tied to VIP movement and presidential security operations.

The FAA notices were published under NOTAM numbers 6/9130 and 6/9363.

FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions List

Although Trump is not scheduled to hold public events in Alaska, Anchorage has long served as a strategic refueling stop for presidential and international flights traveling between the continental United States and Asia.

For pilots, the restrictions mean heightened scrutiny and temporary limitations around Anchorage and JBER airspace during the arrival and departure windows.

Typically, presidential TFRs create layered security zones around the aircraft movement area. In practical terms, that can mean:

• No-fly zones for general aviation aircraft within the inner core area
• Mandatory communication requirements with air traffic control
• Flight plan filing requirements for some operators
• Possible reroutes or delays for small aircraft
• Restrictions on flight training, banner towing, drones, ultralights, and sightseeing flights

Commercial airline passengers are unlikely to notice major impacts beyond possible minor delays during the arrival or departure period. But for Alaska’s large community of private pilots, air taxis, cargo operators, and recreational aviators, TFRs can significantly complicate flight planning.

The FAA urges pilots to check NOTAMs carefully before departure and remain in close communication with Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center and local tower operations.

Violating a presidential TFR is treated seriously. Aircraft that inadvertently enter restricted airspace can be intercepted by military aircraft, escorted out of the zone, and investigated by federal authorities. In past presidential visits nationwide, fighter jets have been scrambled after pilots failed to review temporary restrictions.

Anchorage pilots are quite accustomed to periodic VIP movement restrictions because of Alaska’s strategic geographic location between North America and Asia. But presidential travel creates some of the tightest airspace controls used in civilian aviation.

Trump is expected to continue onward to China later this week for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a broader Asia trip focused on trade and security issues.