By 5 Towns Central Staff

QUEENS, N.Y. (June 29, 2026) — Federal authorities are investigating after a JetBlue Airways aircraft reportedly struck a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning.

According to air traffic communications, the flight crew informed controllers that the aircraft had collided with what appeared to be a drone while turning onto its final approach. The reported impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet, with the object striking the area just above the cockpit around 7:15 a.m.

Despite the incident, the pilots reported that the aircraft remained fully operational and did not require emergency assistance. The flight continued to JFK and landed safely without further incident.

Following the landing, maintenance personnel conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft. Officials said no visible damage was found.

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation to determine whether the object was in fact a drone and, if so, identify its operator. Flying drones near airports or in the path of arriving and departing aircraft is prohibited without proper authorization due to the significant safety risks they pose.

The incident comes just days after another commercial flight crew reported a close encounter with a drone while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport, underscoring growing concerns about unauthorized drone activity in heavily trafficked airspace.

The FAA receives more than 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month and continues to warn recreational and commercial drone operators to comply with federal regulations. Violations can result in substantial civil penalties, criminal charges, and possible imprisonment, particularly when unauthorized drone operations endanger aircraft or interfere with airport operations.