JetBlue flight hit drone while approaching JFK airport, FAA says

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into an incident where a JetBlue flight reported striking a drone during its approach to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Airbus A321, which had departed from Las Vegas, made the report around 7:15 a.m. EDT while descending at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. Despite the pilot's report of a collision, the aircraft landed without incident, and passengers deplaned normally. A subsequent post-flight inspection of the plane revealed no damage or any evidence of a collision. JetBlue confirmed the aircraft was removed from service for this inspection. This event follows a similar report from a United Airlines flight that encountered a drone during its descent into Newark Liberty International Airport, another major airport serving the New York City area, just days prior. The FAA regularly receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month. The agency strongly advises against flying drones near airports, emphasizing the significant danger to aviation and reminding operators that unauthorized drone flights can lead to fines or jail time. The FAA stated, "We want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal."

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The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the plane was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, which found no damage or evidence of a collision.