FAA Reports Significant Increase in Drone Sightings Near Airports in Q2

FAA Reports Increase in Drone Sightings Near Airports

By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a significant rise in the number of close encounters between drones and manned aircraft at U.S. airports. Data indicates that reported drone sightings nearly doubled from the first to the second quarter of 2026, with 601 sightings recorded from April to June, compared to 320 in the previous quarter.

This trend appears to correlate with warmer weather, as similar patterns were observed in previous years. For instance, during the April-June period of 2025, there were 617 reported sightings, while the July-September 2025 period saw 532 sightings. In contrast, only 304 sightings were reported in the fourth quarter of 2025.

On average, the FAA receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month.

Recent Drone Incidents Raise Concerns

Recent incidents involving drones at major airports have heightened concerns regarding air safety. Three drone-related occurrences were reported at two airports in the Northeast region of the United States.

• Newark Liberty International Airport: On June 26, United Airlines Flight 1513 reported a possible drone sighting while approaching the airport. The Boeing 737, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, landed safely. However, subsequent investigations by the FAA and local law enforcement found no evidence of a drone in the area.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport: On June 29, a helicopter pilot reported a remote-control airplane flying close to the aircraft. The FAA has initiated an investigation into this incident.
• In another incident at JFK, the pilot of JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 reported a drone strike at approximately 3,000 feet during final approach. However, a post-flight inspection revealed no damage to the aircraft, and no evidence of a drone strike was found.

Increased Vigilance by Aviation Authorities

With large events such as the FIFA World Cup and celebrations for America’s 250th birthday approaching, federal aviation authorities and airport operators are on heightened alert for unauthorized drone activity in airspace reserved for manned aircraft.

The FAA has emphasized that while it is generally legal to fly drones below 400 feet, operators must avoid restricted airspace, particularly around airports. When drone activity is reported, air traffic controllers coordinate with local law enforcement to locate the operator and may adjust aircraft operations to ensure safety.

Most airports are situated within Class B, C, or D controlled airspace, where drone flights are prohibited without prior authorization. Drone pilots with legitimate purposes can utilize the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system for automated flight approvals in certain airport zones.

Ongoing Concerns and Regulatory Actions

The FAA has noted that unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace have been a significant concern for nearly a decade. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2019, the FAA recorded 382 reports of drone sightings near airports.

Reports include details such as the date and location of sightings, the altitude and direction of manned aircraft, and whether evasive actions were necessary. Recent incidents have included sightings at various airports, prompting notifications to law enforcement and investigations.

The FAA has reiterated the dangers and illegality of operating drones near airplanes, helicopters, and airports. The agency continues to collaborate with industry partners to educate drone operators through initiatives like the “Know Before You Fly” campaign.

Additionally, the FAA is working with law enforcement to identify and investigate unauthorized drone operations, having imposed civil penalties for various violations. The agency encourages the public to report unauthorized drone activity to local law enforcement to help mitigate these risks.