Concerns rise over rise of near collisions between planes, drones

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(NewsNation) — Concerns about aviation safety have grown after two close calls between drones and airplanes have been recently reported.

On Monday, a JetBlue pilot reported striking a drone when landing the plane at JFK International Airport in New York. Days before, a United Airlines pilot said he narrowly missed a drone when at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to Travel and Tour World.

Federal Aviation Administration data shows there have been more than 100 drone sightings reported each month, and five per day were reported. In 2025, the sightings hit more than 1,800.

The FAA said drone operators are generally told to stay below 400 feet and follow airspace restrictions around airports

Unsafe or unauthorized drone flights can lead to major penalties, with fines that can reach up to $75,000 per violation. There have also been more than 300 drones already seized near World Cup sites since the tournaments began as temporary no-fly zones have been put in place.

Aviation safety experts said even smaller drones can still prove to be a safety hazard as they give pilots very little time to maneuver.

The FAA is still investigating the JetBlue incident.

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airports

aviation accidents

drone sightings

drones

FAA

JetBlue

no-fly zones

United Airlines

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