FAA Imposes Temporary Drone Bans Over Critical Sites in New York and New Jersey

The restrictions follow a surge in drone sightings, laser incidents, and growing safety concerns, with no confirmed threats identified.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prohibited drone flights over dozens of critical infrastructure locations in New York and New Jersey until mid-January 2025.
The bans cover 22 sites in New Jersey and 29 in New York, including power substations, utility facilities, and other sensitive areas, with some exceptions for authorized operators.
The decision comes after a 269% rise in drone sightings and increased laser incidents in the region, though authorities emphasize no national security or public safety threats have been detected.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and federal agencies are collaborating to deploy advanced drone detection systems and are urging Congress to strengthen local enforcement capabilities.
Federal agencies, including the FAA and FBI, report that many sightings involve lawful drones, hobbyist devices, or misidentified objects, but stress the importance of proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure.