Drone flights will be prohibited over US stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup matches and related fan events starting June 11, with strict enforcement measures in place.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a ban on drone flights over US stadiums where World Cup matches are being held, as well as at fan events connected to the tournament. The no-fly zones will come into effect from June 11, the day the FIFA World Cup kicks off, and will extend for the duration of the event until July 19.
On match days, all aircraft, including drones, will be prohibited within three nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) above ground level unless specifically authorized by the FAA. For fan events organized by host cities at various locations, the no-fly zones are set to a radius of one nautical mile with an altitude limit of 1,000 feet above ground.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring airspace safety during this global soccer event. "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," he stated.
Violators of these regulations could face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment, and federal criminal charges. To enforce these rules, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed its involvement in ensuring a safe sky during the World Cup. Aaron Hope from the FBI's Atlanta office said, "Our primary focus is that the message gets out that it is a no-drone zone."
To support enhanced enforcement efforts, the FAA will deploy DETER, a new initiative designed to rapidly detect drone violations. This technology will be used at the World Cup to identify and locate operators of unauthorized drones should they pose any threat.
The FIFA World Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, bringing together fans from around the globe for what promises to be a thrilling soccer extravaganza. With these stringent measures in place, authorities aim to ensure both the safety of spectators and the smooth operation of the event.
