The change was announced Monday and comes in response to a fatal August collision between a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter over the river between New York City and New Jersey.
One zone will be for local planes and helicopters, such as those carrying commuters and sightseers. Another will be for those passing through the New York City area on longer flights to other destinations.
FAA head Randy Babbitt says the air traffic controller and supervisor who were on duty at the airport where the plane flight originated have been fired.
The changes follow recommendations in an FAA task force report compiled after the collision. They are to take effect Thursday.
