U.S. military fighter jets have been buzzing over the New York City region, chasing at least three small planes that violated restricted airspace over the United Nations and had to be escorted away.

A spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command says there were at least three incidents within about 90 minutes Monday afternoon, triggering calls and chatter on social media.

The spokesman, John Cornelio, said F-16 fighters intercepted all three small planes and escorted them away to area airports where they were met and checked by law enforcement. He said there appeared to be no terrorism concerns.

A swath of airspace around New York City has been restricted due to the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, which President Barack Obama is attending.

(AP)