NEW YORK- Federal authorities have implemented strict drone flight restrictions across New York and New Jersey through January 17, 2025, responding to weeks of unexplained nighttime drone activity that has sparked community concerns.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Thursday (December 18, 2024) that drone operations are now prohibited over 22 critical infrastructure locations unless operators secure explicit government authorization.
FAA Bans Drones
The mysterious drone sightings began troubling residents across New Jersey and neighboring states in mid-November, prompting widespread public speculation and demands for official explanations.
As aerial drone activities continued illuminating night skies, local and state officials faced mounting pressure to address community safety worries.
The FAA’s sweeping ban covers strategic locations spanning both urban and suburban areas.
The restricted zones include major transportation hubs in Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Bayonne, as well as critical infrastructure sites in Hamilton, Bridgewater, and Cedar Grove.
Additional no-fly zones extend to North Brunswick, Metuchen, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Harrison, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancocks Bridge, and Kearny.
Spokesperson Remarks
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the drone flight restrictions stem from precautionary measures rather than specific threats.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized Thursday that ongoing assessments reveal no public safety concerns related to the reported drone activities across the region.
The FAA’s decision to implement these restrictions emerged from collaborative efforts with critical infrastructure partners who specifically requested enhanced aerial protection of their facilities.
New York State has now aligned with New Jersey’s protective measures. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday night that federal authorities will extend temporary flight restrictions to protect critical infrastructure sites throughout New York State.
The governor reinforced the precautionary nature of these restrictions, explicitly stating that no threats target these locations.
The New York flight restrictions, effective until January 18, encompass a broader geographic scope than New Jersey’s measures.
The no-fly zones include critical areas surrounding LaGuardia Airport, numerous Long Island municipalities, and four of New York City’s five boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
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FAA Issues NOTAM
The FAA’s drone restrictions establish one-nautical-mile no-fly zones around specified locations, prohibiting uncrewed aircraft operations from ground level to 400 feet. This height limit aligns with existing recreational drone flight regulations.
Pre-existing flight restrictions remain active for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The government retains authorization to employ deadly force against drones that present imminent security threats, according to the Notice to Airmen.
Violation consequences include potential interception and detention by law enforcement. The FAA maintains the authority to impose civil penalties, suspend or revoke operator certificates, and pursue criminal charges against violators.
An FAA official confirmed drone activity over New Jersey during Sunday’s press briefing, referencing the nearly one million registered drones nationwide.
The FBI has processed over 5,000 drone sighting reports across multiple states in recent weeks, according to a joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense.
The multiagency investigation reveals that reported sightings encompass legitimate commercial operations, hobby flights, and law enforcement missions. Additional reports mistakenly identified fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars as drones.
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