A United Airlines flight traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina reported a drone flying too close to the aircraft near Lakewood Airport earlier this week, officials told TLS.

Federal aviation officials warn that drone operators must give way to manned aircraft and follow airspace restrictions near airports. The FAA can impose fines of up to $75,000 per violation for unsafe or unauthorized drone operations, and operators can also face suspension or revocation of their licenses.

A similar incident was reported in December 2024, when a laser was pointed at a United Airlines plane flying over Lakewood, apparently by someone who mistook the aircraft for a drone.

An investigation is ongoing.