JetBlue plane hits drone on JFK approach

JetBlue said one of its flights reported hitting a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning, underscoring renewed concern over drone activity near major airports.

The airline said Flight 948, an Airbus A321 traveling from Las Vegas to New York, landed safely after the crew reported the drone encounter around 7:15 a.m. ET at about 3,000 feet on final approach. The aircraft was taken out of service for inspection, and JetBlue said investigators found no damage or evidence of a collision.

What happened

According to reporting and statements cited by multiple outlets, the pilot told air traffic control that the drone struck the plane “right above the cockpit.” The crew continued the approach and brought the flight in without assistance.

Passengers deplaned normally after landing, and the aircraft was later inspected on the ground.

FAA investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the incident.

There is still some uncertainty over the exact nature of the event. Some reports describe it as a collision, while others frame it as a reported strike pending confirmation from investigators. At this stage, JetBlue’s inspection did not turn up physical damage.

Broader airport safety concerns

The incident comes just days after a separate drone scare involving a United Airlines flight near Newark, adding to public concern about drones in restricted airspace around the New York area.

Drone sightings near airports are a recurring safety issue for the FAA, and unauthorized drone operations can lead to fines or criminal charges.

The key next steps are the FAA investigation and any follow-up by law enforcement or airport authorities, including whether the drone or its operator can be identified.