With the holiday travel season upon us, many are wondering if the recent increase in drone sightings will disrupt air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates nearly 40 million air travelers during this period, and recent drone activity near airports has raised concerns.
Several airports in the Northeast, including those in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, have reported drone sightings. New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) even temporarily closed its runway for over an hour on Friday night due to multiple drone sightings, though no aircraft were affected. This highlights the disruptive potential of drones, as airports must prioritize safety and ground flights even with just a reported sighting.
Brett Velicovich, CEO of Expert Drones, emphasizes the economic impact of these disruptions, noting that even unconfirmed sightings can lead to costly delays. The FBI has been investigating numerous drone sighting reports, and recent arrests near Logan Airport underscore the seriousness of the issue.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for collisions between drones and aircraft, which could have catastrophic consequences. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in restricted airspace can cause significant disruptions, from delays to complete airport shutdowns. Law enforcement agencies are using detection equipment to monitor airspace and rely on pilot reports to identify drone activity.
While retired pilot Richard Levy suggests that holiday travel may not be significantly impacted, he acknowledges that unauthorized drone flights near airports can trigger immediate ground stops, impacting both departures and arrivals. Pilots, while primarily focused on their instruments and the runway, are increasingly vigilant about potential drone activity. The FAA receives over 100 drone sighting reports near airports monthly and emphasizes that operating drones near aircraft and airports is both dangerous and illegal. Drones are generally prohibited within a 5-mile radius of airports without FAA authorization.
