AUVSI calls for clearer approval procedures as federal agencies expand efforts to counter cartel drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill New federally imposed rules to combat the flights of cartel drones, by restricting UAV operations along a narrow strip of land along the U.S. Mexico border, should be enhanced to allow greater legitimate … [Read more...] about New Border Drone Restrictions Raise Questions for Commercial Operators
Temporary Flight Restrictions
Federal Agencies Announce New Drone Flight Restrictions Along U.S.-Mexico Border
New airspace restrictions aim to counter unauthorized drone activity and protect border security operations, while limiting civilian drone flights near the border. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of War (DoW), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have announced new drone flight restrictions along the U.S.-Mexico border. The coordinated action aims … [Read more...] about Federal Agencies Announce New Drone Flight Restrictions Along U.S.-Mexico Border
Drone Incursions at Wildfires Surge as Aircraft Face More Groundings
Unauthorized drone flights are rising sharply in 2026, disrupting aerial firefighting operations and increasing enforcement efforts. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As the unusually severe wildfire season in the western U.S. continues unabated, the number of incidents of drone incursions interrupting aerial firefighting operations continues to rise. According to data … [Read more...] about Drone Incursions at Wildfires Surge as Aircraft Face More Groundings
Unauthorized Drones Divert Firefighting Aircraft at California’s Timber Fire
By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Unauthorized drones flying in restricted airspace continue to cause interference with aerial firefighting operations at the scenes of wildfires across the country. In a recent example of this disturbing trend, unauthorized drone flights prompted aircraft engaged in firefighting at the scene of the Timber Fire in the Big Sur region of … [Read more...] about Unauthorized Drones Divert Firefighting Aircraft at California’s Timber Fire
“If You Fly, We Can’t”: Drone Incursions Still Disrupt Wildfire Response Across the West
Five unauthorized drone flights over Oregon’s Wrights Spring Fire grounded firefighting aircraft, highlighting a growing safety problem during wildfire operations. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As massive wildfires continue to ravage vast areas of the West and northwestern U.S., the problem of unauthorized drones flying in disaster areas continues to hamper aerial … [Read more...] about “If You Fly, We Can’t”: Drone Incursions Still Disrupt Wildfire Response Across the West
