New York: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that drone flights are temporarily banned over 22 critical utility locations in New Jersey, with plans to impose similar restrictions at sites in New York. The 30-day ban in New Jersey comes at the request of federal security agencies and follows a November prohibition at two other New Jersey sites.
This precautionary measure targets facilities including electrical switching stations, substations, generating stations, and utility command centers in cities such as Elizabeth, Edison, Camden, and Bridgewater.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed on Thursday that the FAA will extend these restrictions to critical infrastructure in her state. Hochul stated, “This action is purely precautionary; there are no threats to these sites.” The specific New York locations are expected to be announced by the FAA shortly.
Rising Concerns About Drones
The decision follows heightened concerns about drone activity in the region. A surge in drone-related incidents has coincided with an increase in individuals pointing lasers at airplanes—a dangerous and illegal activity. According to the FAA, reports of such incidents have risen dramatically, with 59 reports in the first half of December, compared to just eight during the same period last year.
Despite the increase in sightings, U.S. agencies maintain that there are no national security risks and attribute most reports to hobbyist drones, aircraft, or natural phenomena like stars.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) will not impact manned aviation, including airplanes and helicopters. A DHS statement explained, “While DHS and our federal partners continue to see no evidence of a threat, the purpose of the TFR is to discourage drone flights around these areas, as requested by critical infrastructure partners.”
Also Read | Fighters from Myanmar Civil War Aggravate Ethnic Conflict in Manipur
Safety Advisory
The FBI in New Jersey has urged residents not to take matters into their own hands. “Do not shoot at suspected drones or point lasers at them,” the agency warned. Misidentifying manned aircraft as drones could lead to “dangerous and possibly deadly consequences.”
Also Read | Pakistan’s Missile Program Poses ‘Emerging Threat’ to the US, Warns Top White House Official
Broader Scope of Drone Activity
The FAA also extended existing restrictions on drone flights over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, through January 31.
With over 1 million registered drones conducting approximately 42 million flights annually, drone activity remains a critical area of focus for regulators aiming to balance innovation and public safety.
