Blue Angels, Thunderbirds To Fly Over NYC, Possibly Long Island

UPDATE: Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Will Fly Over LI: Flight Path Released

LONG ISLAND, NY — The United States Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over New York City on Tuesday to honor frontline coronavirus responders and essential workers. Local officials on Long Island have said they expect the demonstration squadrons to soar over the island as well, but that won't be confirmed until Monday when a detailed flight route will be released.

Residents along the flight path can expect a few seconds of jet noise as the aircraft pass overhead, along with the sight of 12 high-performance aircraft flying close in precise formation.

Flyovers in Newark, N.J., New York City and surrounding boroughs will start at noon and last approximately 35 minutes. There will also be flyovers in Trenton, N.J. and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday afternoon.

Flyovers in Trenton will start at 1:45 p.m. (EDT) and last approximately 10 minutes.Flyovers in Philadelphia will start at 2 p.m. (EDT) and last approximately 20 minutes.

Each flight squad costs at least $60,000 per hour to fly, according to The Washington Post.

"“We are truly excited to take to the skies with our Navy counterparts for a nation-wide tribute to the men and women keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Thunderbird 1 and mission commander for the flyover. “We hope to give Americans a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline of our fight with COVID-19.”

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will also fly jointly over Washington, Baltimore, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Austin, over the next few weeks, The Post reported. The squads will also perform individual shows in more than 20 other U.S. cities.

The Navy and Air Force have partnered with local governments and media outlets to help ensure spectators follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing guidelines. Both teams are also implementing various measures to maintain personnel and community safety. This includes air-to-air refueling during transit and no scheduled stops en route to reduce potential exposure to the virus.