In response to weeks of unexplained drone activity, federal authorities have implemented sweeping restrictions on drone operations across New Jersey and New York, marking a significant escalation in their response to the ongoing situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Thursday that drone flights will be prohibited in 22 locations across New Jersey until January 17, 2025, citing "special security reasons." The restrictions, which require special government permission for any drone operations, extend to critical infrastructure sites in cities including Hamilton, Jersey City, Camden, and Elizabeth.
New York quickly followed suit, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing similar restrictions over critical infrastructure sites across the state, including areas near LaGuardia Airport and throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. These measures will remain in effect until January 18, 2025.
The restrictions come as federal investigators continue to examine thousands of reported drone sightings that have puzzled residents and authorities alike since mid-November. While the Department of Homeland Security maintains there is "no public safety threat," the new flight restrictions suggest mounting concern among federal authorities.
Under the new regulations, drone operations are prohibited within one nautical mile of specified airspace, from ground level up to 400 feet. The FAA's notice includes unusually strong language, warning that authorities may employ "deadly force" against drones deemed an "imminent security threat."
Federal agencies, including the FBI, have received over 5,000 tips regarding drone sightings across multiple states. In a joint statement released Monday, multiple federal agencies indicated that the reported sightings likely include a mix of authorized commercial and law enforcement drones, along with hobbyist aircraft and occasional misidentified conventional aircraft or celestial objects.
The restrictions carry severe penalties for violations. Drone operators who disregard these temporary flight restrictions may face interception by law enforcement, civil penalties, certificate suspension or revocation, and potential criminal charges.
These measures represent the most significant regulatory response yet to the mysterious drone activity that has captured public attention and sparked widespread speculation across the Northeast. As federal authorities continue their investigation, the situation highlights growing challenges in managing and securing increasingly crowded airspace.
For drone operators in affected areas, the FAA emphasizes the importance of checking current flight restrictions and obtaining necessary permissions before any drone operations. The previously established restrictions for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey remain in effect alongside these new measures.