Drone nearly hits United plane landing in Newark, pilot says

Drone Incident Near Newark Airport Sparks FAA Investigation

Drone nearly hits United plane landing – On Friday, a United Airlines passenger jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to the pilot’s report. The event unfolded as the Boeing 737 descended toward the runway, with the pilot later describing the near-miss in air traffic control audio confirmed by CNN. “We almost hit a drone,” the pilot said, emphasizing the proximity of the unmanned aircraft, which was noted as circular and approximately three feet in diameter, “about 100 feet below us.” The FAA confirmed that the flight crew observed the drone during approach, though no official details about the drone’s origin or operator have been released yet.

Pilot Accounts and Airport Response

United Airlines stated that the aircraft, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members from Key West, Florida, landed safely around 5:30 p.m. ET, with passengers disembarking without disruption. The incident has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate further, as the agency continues to monitor drone activity near manned aircraft. Meanwhile, another United Express pilot, operating a GoJet Airlines flight, also reported spotting a drone at roughly 2,000 feet during the same timeframe, according to air traffic control recordings. CNN has contacted GoJet and the Newark airport for additional clarification.

“We almost hit a drone,” the pilot can be heard saying, in air traffic control audio verified by CNN, describing the device as circular and roughly three feet wide. “About 100 feet below us.”

Drones and Airspace Safety: A Growing Concern

While drone sightings near U.S. airports are relatively common, with approximately 100 reported each month, the FAA has imposed strict rules to mitigate risks. These regulations prohibit the operation of drones in controlled airspaces or near aircraft without prior authorization. Despite the frequency of sightings, actual collisions remain rare. According to the FAA, only eight out of 319 reports received by March 2026 involved pilots taking evasive action, such as altering altitude or course. Just one incident resulted in a drone crashing on the runway, at San Carlos Airport in California.

Recent months have highlighted the challenges of integrating drones into busy airspace. In March 2026, pilots at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport both reported encountering multiple unmanned aircraft systems, according to FAA records. This trend underscores the need for enhanced detection technologies, as airports increasingly deploy systems to track drones in real time. Such measures are critical for preventing disruptions to commercial flights, which have become more frequent due to the rise in consumer drone usage.

Senate Hearing Highlights Need for UAS Safety Regulations

During a Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing on Tuesday, Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen raised concerns about the growing threat of drones to aviation safety. She emphasized the importance of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense in developing counter-UAS technologies to deter unauthorized drone flights near airports. “We must ensure that drone operators understand the risks they pose to manned aircraft,” Rosen said, calling for stricter oversight.

“Integrating UAS safety regulation into all aspects … whether through the FAA or other modes and regulatory frameworks that manage the national airspace, is absolutely integral. There can’t be any loopholes,” said former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, president and CEO of Airlines for America, at the hearing.

Sununu added that current measures are insufficient, especially as drones become more prevalent in congested areas. He highlighted the need for a unified approach to drone management, combining technology, policy, and public awareness. The FAA’s role in coordinating these efforts remains central, as the agency works to balance innovation with safety in the national airspace system.

Historical Context: Newark’s Drone Challenges

Similar incidents have occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport in the past. In April 2019, flights were temporarily delayed after a drone was reported flying near Teterboro Airport, located about 17 miles from Newark. The FAA at the time attributed the disruption to the Southwest and United flight crews, who detected the unmanned device during their approach. Officials noted that the area around Newark is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to East Rutherford, New Jersey, where major sporting events like the World Cup are taking place. These events have led to heightened restrictions on drone activity, with local authorities implementing rules to prevent interference with air traffic.

The recent near-miss with the United Airlines jet adds to a pattern of drone-related incidents that have forced airports and regulators to adapt. As drones become more advanced and accessible, their presence in airspace near airports has raised alarms about potential collisions and safety hazards. The FAA’s ongoing investigation into this incident could lead to new guidelines or enforcement actions to address the growing issue. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that such close calls do not escalate into full-scale accidents.

Future Implications and Industry Response

Industry leaders and policymakers are urging swift action to prevent similar incidents. The FAA’s data on drone sightings, combined with pilot accounts of evasive maneuvers, underscores the urgency of improving drone detection and response systems. Airports are also exploring partnerships with technology firms to develop more sophisticated tracking tools, such as radar systems and automated alerts. These innovations aim to provide real-time monitoring of drones in high-traffic zones, giving pilots and air traffic controllers better tools to avoid collisions.

United Airlines’ statement following the incident reflected confidence in the safety protocols in place, but the event serves as a reminder of the risks associated with unregulated drone use. As the FAA continues its investigation, the incident may also prompt a broader discussion about the legal and operational framework governing drones. With the number of unmanned aircraft systems expected to grow, the balance between enabling their use for recreational and commercial purposes and protecting manned aviation will remain a critical challenge for regulators and the industry.

The drone near-miss in Newark highlights the need for a proactive approach to airspace management. As technology advances and drones become more integrated into daily life, their presence in areas like airports will require sustained attention and innovation. The FAA’s role in shaping these regulations will be pivotal, ensuring that the skies remain safe for both manned and unmanned aircraft in the years to come.