JetBlue pilot reports striking a drone while landing at JFK airport

JetBlue Pilot Reports Striking Drone During JFK Approach

A JetBlue Airways pilot reported striking a drone on Monday morning, June 29, 2026, while conducting a final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. EDT, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The aircraft, an Airbus A321 traveling from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, was at an altitude of roughly 3,000 feet when the collision took place. The pilot informed an air traffic controller that the drone hit the aircraft right above the cockpit while the plane was in a turn near a waypoint known as ASALT. The pilot later estimated the plane was about 10 to 12 miles from the airport in Queens, New York, at the time of the strike.

Despite the report, post-flight inspections conducted by both the FAA and JetBlue found no damage or evidence of a collision. JetBlue stated that the flight, which departed Las Vegas at 11:51 p.m. PDT, landed at 7:25 a.m. EDT—39 minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival. Passengers deplaned normally, and the aircraft was removed from service for its inspection.

"Safety is JetBlue's first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,"

JetBlue, via statement

The FAA has launched an investigation into the event. The agency noted that it receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports every month. While it is legal to operate drones under 400 feet in most locations, the FAA prohibits unauthorized drone operations around airports and public events. Unauthorized operators can face criminal charges, jail time, and stiff fines.

This event follows a pattern of increasing drone-related risks in commercial airspace. Just three days prior, on Friday afternoon, the crew of United Airlines Flight 1513 reported a drone sighting while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. That Boeing 737, carrying five crew members and 106 passengers from Key West, Florida, reportedly came within feet of a circular, 3-foot-wide drone that was approximately 100 feet below the aircraft. A separate plane flying into Newark also reported seeing that drone at roughly 2,000 feet.

Industry experts suggest that while rules limit altitude, many drones are physically capable of reaching 3,000 feet. Scott Shtofman, vice president and counsel for regulatory affairs for the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, stated that drones as small as five pounds can fly at that height.

The FAA's concern is compounded by previous aviation incidents involving mid-air objects. In early 2025, a firefighting plane was knocked out of commission for several days after an errant drone caused a hole in its left wing during California wildfires. Additionally, a United Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing last fall after striking a weather balloon that damaged its windshield.

However, the FAA also noted that pilot reports do not always result in confirmed collisions. In April, the agency determined that a drone did not strike a United Airlines plane approaching San Diego, despite an initial report; the drone was actually 1,000 feet below the aircraft.

The FAA continues to investigate the June 29 incident at JFK to determine if a collision actually occurred.