Tribute from the sky: US Fighter jets fly over New York to honour health workers battling coronavirus

US military flight squadrons paid tribute to coronavirus health care staff, first responders and other essential workers with a ceremonial flyover of COVID-19 epicenter New York City on Tuesday.

Twelve fighter jets of the air force's Thunderbirds and the navy's Blue Angels streaked across piercing blue skies above the Big Apple in "a collaborative salute" just after noon.

Dozens of residents gathered by the city's harbor, squinting into the midday sun to catch a glimpse of the aircraft in what appeared a breach of social distancing guidelines.

The planes circled New York and Newark in New Jersey for 40 minutes, then headed to Trenton, also in New Jersey, before flying to Philadelphia for a flyover there.

"We are incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, we are in awe of your strength and resilience," Blue Angels Commander Brian Kesselring said ahead of the show.

The flypast took more than a month to plan and was the first of several planned around the country over the coming weeks, the squadrons said in a statement.

"An amazing display of gratitude and patriotism from the best pilots on earth. Thank you," tweeted Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark.

Healthcare workers from the NYU Langone Medical Center watch as the US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover.

The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover.

People gather to watch the US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds jets fly over New York to salute coronavirus healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers.

The Blue Angels (L) and Thunderbirds flyover New York in a salute to health care workers.

Healthcare workers from the NYU Langone Medical Center walk away after watching the flyover demonstration.

The US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams participate in the flyover past the Statue of Liberty.

People watch the demonstration.

Crowds arrive at the Brooklyn Promenade to watch the flyover.