FAA Bans Most Drones Within One Mile Of U.S.-Mexico Border
The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday, October 16, 2026, banned most drones within one nautical mile of the U.S.-Mexico border up to 400 feet, with the closure starting Monday evening for at least a year.[1]
The FAA issued three temporary flight restriction notices that designate the airspace as national defense airspace and bar drone flights without Department of Homeland Security authorization.[1] The notices, announced jointly by the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon, warn unauthorized drones could be shot down and pilots could face civil or criminal penalties.[1]
Customs and Border Protection will grant waivers through an emergency phone process for first responders and an email system that requires 48 hours' notice for planned flights.[1] Officials said the steps are aimed at countering cartel use of drones and other security threats along the southern border.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 16, 2026, the FAA issued three temporary flight restriction notices covering U.S. airspace within one nautical mile of the southern border up to 400 feet.
- The airspace is designated national defense airspace and will be closed to drones without homeland security authorization for at least one year starting Monday evening, October 19, 2026.
- Notices warn unauthorized drones may be shot down and their pilots face civil or criminal penalties.
- The restrictions were announced jointly by the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, and the Pentagon and are aimed at countering cartel and other security threats.
- Customs and Border Protection will grant waivers via an emergency phone process for first responders and an email system requiring 48 hours' notice for planned flights.
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