The United States aviation authority said it has tightened enforcement against drone operators, citing a rise in unsafe and unauthorized flights near emergency response operations, major public events, and restricted airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it took multiple enforcement actions in 2025 and updated its policies for 2026, including issuing fines and suspending or revoking remote pilot certificates. Penalties assessed between 2023 and 2025 ranged from less than $2,000 to more than $36,000, with higher fines linked to flights near wildfire-fighting aircraft, overcrowded venues, and restricted zones.

The FAA said it has revised its enforcement policy for 2026, requiring legal action in cases where drone activity endangers public safety, violates airspace restrictions, or is associated with other criminal conduct. Civil penalties for violations can reach up to $75,000 per incident, in addition to certificate action.

“These unsafe operations create serious risks,” FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna said, adding that the agency would hold operators accountable for ignoring safety rules or operating without authorization.

Federal authorities have also increased coordination around large public gatherings. During Super Bowl LX, the FAA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation imposed temporary flight restrictions over and around Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as well as parts of San Francisco, supported by monitoring measures to identify unauthorized drone activity.

The stepped-up enforcement comes amid broader US government efforts to counter unauthorized drones. The Department of Homeland Security last month announced the creation of a new office focused on unmanned aircraft systems and counter-drone programs, alongside a $115 million funding initiative linked to security planning for major national events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.

US officials said the combined measures are aimed at managing drone activity more effectively within the national airspace system as commercial and recreational use continues to expand.

Source: avweb.com