The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented 30 temporary drone flight restrictions over critical infrastructure in New York, responding to heightened reports of mystery drone sightings across the northeast. The restrictions are in place from Thursday through mid-January.
The FAA stated that the restrictions were prompted by requests from federal security partners but emphasized that the move is purely precautionary.
“There are no threats to these sites,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
READ: FAA Issues Temporary Drone Ban Over New Jersey, Cites Potential Threats
The temporary bans restrict aircraft, including drones, from operating in specified areas without prior permission.
The affected zones include critical components of the state’s infrastructure, such as:
- Electrical substations
- Electric control centers
- Compressor stations
- Other infrastructure complexes
These restrictions span areas including Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, and Yonkers.
Governor Hochul announced that New York has received a state-of-the-art drone detection system from the Biden administration to monitor potential drone activity over restricted areas.
Similar restrictions were announced earlier this week in parts of New Jersey, reflecting increased vigilance across the region.
The restrictions follow numerous reports of unexplained drone sightings in northeastern states, which have fueled public speculation and conspiracy theories.
Federal officials, however, have repeatedly stated that no nefarious activity has been linked to these sightings. Authorities believe that many of the reported drones may have been misidentified aircraft or other objects.
The FAA continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with state and federal agencies to ensure public safety. The temporary restrictions are expected to remain in place through mid-January as authorities evaluate the need for additional measures.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement or the FAA. For more information on drone flight regulations, visit the FAA’s official website.
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