A United Airlines flight experienced a near-miss with a drone while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The pilot of the Boeing 737, which carried 106 passengers from Key West, Florida, reported the device was approximately three feet wide and flying 100 feet below the aircraft at 5:20 p.m. (hora de Miami). The FAA is currently investigating the incident.
What happened during the Newark flight?
The crew of the Boeing 737 reported the sighting during their final approach to the airport. According to air traffic control audio, the pilot described the object as circular. The aircraft landed safely at 5:30 p.m. ET, and all passengers disembarked normally. During the same time frame, a pilot on a United Express flight operated by GoJet Airlines also reported observing a drone at an altitude of approximately 600 metros.
Did You Know? The FAA reports an average of approximately 100 drone sightings near U.S. airports every month, despite strict regulations prohibiting unauthorized flights in controlled airspace.
Why these sightings remain a concern
While reports of drones near commercial air traffic are common, actual collisions remain rare. According to FAA data, pilots reported 319 drone sightings in the first three months of this year. In only eight of those documented cases did pilots have to perform evasive maneuvers, such as descending or turning, to avoid an object. There has been one recorded instance of a drone crashing on an airport runway, which occurred in San Carlos, California.
Expert Insight: The intersection of increased drone use and high-density commercial air traffic creates a complex safety challenge. As airports integrate detection technology, the focus is shifting toward legislative and defensive measures to bridge regulatory gaps that leave airspace vulnerable near critical transport hubs.
What could happen next?
Authorities are likely to increase scrutiny on drone activity, particularly as air travel volume surges. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen nearly 18.7 million passengers between June 30 and July 6 for the Fourth of July holiday period. Officials have announced that the use of drones is strictly restricted in and around World Cup matches in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drones allowed to fly near airports?
No. The FAA prohibits the use of drones in controlled airspace or near manned aircraft without official authorization.
How common are drone sightings near airports?
The FAA reports that there are about 100 sightings per month near U.S. airports. Pilots reported 319 sightings between January and March of this year.
Has this happened at Newark before?
Yes. In April 2019, flight operations at Newark were affected after flight crews from United and Southwest reported a drone flying near the Teterboro Airport.
How do you think increased drone traffic will change the way we manage commercial airspace in the coming years?