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JetBlue Flight Hit Drone While Approaching JFK Airport, FAA Says

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into a JetBlue flight that reported hitting a drone as it approached New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The FAA reported that the pilot of an Airbus A321, departing from Las Vegas at the time, reported the incident while the aircraft was on final approach.

According to the U.S. regulator, the incident occurred around 7:15 am EDT.

The airline reported that the flight landed safely, passengers deplaned as usual, and that the plane had been withdrawn from service after a post-flight check, during which no evidence of damage or collision was found.

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the company that manages John F.?Kennedy?International Airport was not available to comment.

Media reports say that the incident on Monday comes just days after a United Airlines flight, which was descending into Newark Liberty International Airport - another airport in the New York City area - encountered a drone.

In late May, the Port Authority stated via email that it was prepared for an increased demand at all of its facilities, as the New York and New Jersey region will be hosting matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 including the final match on July 19,

On Monday, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on the social media website X that it had seized more than 500 drones in restricted airspace across 11 U.S. host city since the beginning of the soccer tournament.

According to a FAA advisory, drones shouldn't be flown near airports because it is difficult for pilots?to see and avoid drones when flying.

The FAA reported that it receives more than 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month. The FAA warned that drone operators who are not authorized could be fined or even jailed. (Reporting and editing by Bill Berkrot, Nick Zieminski and Allison Lampert)

(source: Reuters)