Over 300 Drones Confiscated Near World Cup Stadiums, US Authorities Announce

US authorities have seized more than 300 drones flying near World Cup stadiums since the competition kicked off on June 11, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

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FBI and TSA monitor the airspace around the stadiums.

The FBI and TSA are actively monitoring the airspace surrounding the stadiums. On match days, all flights, including drones, are prohibited within a 5.5-kilometer radius and up to 900 meters altitude around the venues, unless authorized by air traffic controllers. The FBI's Miami field office reported issuing 49 sanctions for unauthorized flights and confiscating 54 drones in Florida alone.

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all flights, including those made with drones, are prohibited on match days on a radius of approximately 5.5 kilometers around the stadiums and up to an altitude of almost 900 meters, except for cases authorized by air traffic controllers.

Restricted zones also apply to fan areas, where drones cannot fly within 1.8 kilometers or above 300 meters altitude. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization face penalties of up to $100,000, equipment seizure, and possible criminal prosecution.

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issued 49 sanctions for unauthorized flights and confiscated 54 drones in the state of Florida

The FBI has deployed teams around the stadiums to detect and stop unauthorized drone operations. This heightened security measure follows previous incidents, including a man pleading guilty to flying a drone over a professional American football playoff game and another case involving illegal drone operation near the Boston Marathon finish line. The U.S. government has previously taken steps to enhance drone defense capabilities, including an executive order signed by President Donald Trump and the installation of counter-drone systems along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization risk fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment and even criminal records.