The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced temporary restrictions on drone operations in certain areas of New York and New Jersey, officials revealed on Thursday.
The decision comes as the FBI continues to investigate a surge in unexplained drone sightings across the Northeast. Since mid-November, reports have surfaced in states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland. The phenomenon has prompted a congressional hearing where federal officials acknowledged their uncertainty about the origins of the sightings.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the measures late Thursday, highlighting federal collaboration to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“I’ve had multiple discussions with Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas, who assured me that federal agencies are working together to establish temporary flight restrictions at key sites in New York,” Hochul stated. “This is purely a precautionary step, as there is no credible threat to these locations. Additionally, we’ve recently received an advanced drone detection system from the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance our monitoring efforts.”
The unusual drone activity has sparked debate among officials. While some have minimized concerns about public safety, others have criticized the lack of detailed information from federal authorities.
The FBI has received over 5,000 reports of drone activity in recent weeks. A joint statement from the FAA and other agencies suggested that many of these sightings could be attributed to lawful drone operations or misidentifications.
“Our analysis of the data indicates that the reports involve a mix of commercial drones, recreational devices, law enforcement aircraft, and even natural phenomena like stars mistaken for drones,” the statement explained.
Hochul also announced plans to deploy the drone detection system across New York. “While I appreciate the federal support, it’s clear that states need more authority to address these challenges effectively,” she said. “Congress must prioritize legislation that empowers us to manage drone activity more directly.”
In New Jersey, similar flight restrictions have been implemented to protect critical infrastructure. Dana Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed the precautionary nature of the measures. “These restrictions were requested by infrastructure partners and implemented in coordination with the FAA to ensure safety,” Gallagher noted, adding that there is no evidence of any immediate threat.
