The move follows federal investigators's call for a ban on helo flights on the route, citing a string of near misses in recent years.

The closure of the helicopter route near the airport makes permanent the restrictions put in place after Jan. 29 midair collision.

The Federal Aviation Administration is permanently halting non-essential helicopter operations near Reagan National Airport in D.C., the agency announced Friday. The big picture: The closure comes after the National Transportation Safety Board's urgent recommendation earlier this week,