Feds restrict flights over NY amid drone activity

The federal government has imposed temporary flight restrictions over critical infrastructure sites in New York following reports of increased drone activity, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday night.

The restrictions, coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration, were described as a precautionary measure.

In a statement, Hochul said she was informed of the flight bans by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “This is purely precautionary; there are no threats to these sites,” Hochul emphasized, while declining to specify which locations were affected or how long the restrictions would remain in place.

“While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology,” Hochul said.

Reports of drone sightings over New York and New Jersey have been under scrutiny since mid-November, with Hochul maintaining communication with federal officials. A recent sighting near Stewart International Airport in Newburgh temporarily closed runways, raising concerns over aviation safety.

To address the issue, the governor announced the deployment of drone detection technology in collaboration with the Biden administration. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed the installation of at least one 360-degree radar detection system from Robin Radar Systems, positioned between New York and New Jersey.

As authorities continue monitoring drone activity, Hochul’s call for federal legislation underscores the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of unmanned aerial technology in densely populated areas.