WASHINGTON (7News) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a permanent ban on helicopter flights near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

The new rules take effect today, Jan. 23.

This decision comes nearly a year after a tragic mid-air collision on Jan. 29 of last year, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people when a passenger jet and a Blackhawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River.

“After that horrific night in January, this Administration made a promise to do whatever it takes to secure the skies over our nation’s capital and ensure such a tragedy would never happen again,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

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The restrictions are for all helicopters and powered-lift aircrafts, unless they are involved in emergencies or essential operations.

The FAA stated that the airspace restrictions are "necessary to mitigate the potential for mid-air collisions" near the airport.

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Last year, the U.S. government acknowledged failures by the Blackhawk helicopter pilots and an air traffic controller at the airport.

Court filings revealed that an air traffic controller in the tower did not comply with an FAA order that oversees procedures.