U.S. Federal Aviation Administration sent this bulletin at 05/29/2026 02:49 PM EDT
Week of May 25, 2026
FAA Establishes ‘No Drone Zones’ for World Cup Stadiums, Fan Events, Base Camps
WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, will establish temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the United States to help protect participants and spectators.
“As fans from around the world gather at stadiums and fan events across the country for the FIFA World Cup, the FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace, including stronger drone-enforcement efforts,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Drone operators should expect swift action if they violate restricted airspace.”
During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums listed below, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control.
Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges, with federal law enforcement identifying operators, seizing drones, and supporting prosecution.
Read our press release for more information about when and where FIFA TFRs will be enforced. You can also visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 webpage for more details.
DETER Fines Drone Pilots at Coachella & F1
The FAA recently launched the Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) initiative to accelerate the identification and enforcement of drone violations. DETER will be used at the World Cup to support enhanced enforcement efforts.
NOW BOARDING: The FAA launched a groundbreaking website highlighting the more than 10,000 air traffic control modernization projects that are happening across the nation.
Administrator On the Go
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has had a busy week. He spoke at the International Aviation Clubin Washington, D.C. and atCAPA’s Airline Leader Summit in Charleston, S.C. While in Charleston he had the opportunity to visit with air traffic controllers. Charleston International Airport is one of eight airports getting either a new TRACON or tower. Read Secretary Duffy’s announcement and see the full list of airports getting upgrades.Administrator Bedford is also highlighting a successful air traffic controller hiring campaign and trip to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.
To round it all out Administrator Bedford participated in the Airlines Confidential Podcast where he discussed the FAA’s progress to modernize the air traffic control system, the push for Strategic Management of Airspace Routing and Trajectories (SMART) and summer travel.
After a soggy start to the week, things are looking up for the weekend. Bryan Gallo from Fox2 KTVU in the San Francisco area is our FAA guest weather squad forecaster this week.
ICYMI
Angelo State University in Texas is the latest school to join our Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative program. The program helps bolster our controller workforce by placing graduates directly into an FAA air traffic facility to begin their training. For more information, read ourrecent press release.
