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ARTICLE · 06 MAY 2026

No-Fly Zones For Drones: FAA Proposes New Rules Over Critical Infrastructure

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The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a formal framework for designating drone-free zones over critical infrastructure facilities, creating new compliance obligations for commercial drone operators while offering...

United StatesTransport
Mary-Caitlin Ray
Mary-Caitlin Ray
Amy Karnikian
Amy Karnikian
Helena Alvarez
Helena Alvarez

Overview

On May 6, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a long-awaited Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would create a formal process for designating drone-free zones — known as Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs) — over critical infrastructure facilities. The proposed rule has significant implications for the entire drone ecosystem. Facility operators across a broad range of industries would gain a potential pathway to restrict unauthorized drone access to their airspace, while commercial drone operators and companies that rely on UAS services face new compliance obligations, operational constraints, and potential criminal liability in designated zones.

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