FAA Reports Surge in Drone Sightings Near NYC Airports, Raising Safety Concerns
New York City has seen a significant increase in drone sightings near its airports, complicating the already complex airspace. From January 2024 to June 2026, there have been 458 drone sightings reported near airports in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This includes 49 sightings at Newark Liberty International Airport, 79 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and 123 at LaGuardia Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has highlighted the dangers of drones in restricted airspace, noting that they are illegal and pose serious risks to aircraft. Recent incidents include a commercial pilot reporting a drone strike while descending at JFK and a near-miss at Newark. The FAA emphasizes that unauthorized drone operations near airports can lead to severe penalties, including fines and criminal charges.