If you’re flying soon, there’s a new travel risk to keep on your radar: drones.
A recent study analyzing data from the Federal Aviation Administration found that between January and September 2025, 749 flights across the United States were disrupted due to nearby illegal drone activity. From temporary runway closures to near-miss reports involving passenger jets, unauthorized drones are becoming an increasingly serious issue for air travel.
The research, conducted by rugged computing solutions provider Getac, highlights the cities and states where flights are most likely to be delayed due to drone sightings.
Boston Tops the List
According to the data, Boston, Massachusetts ranks first nationwide, with 141 drone sightings leading to flight disruptions in just eight months.
All 141 incidents recorded in Massachusetts occurred in Boston, underscoring the city as a major hotspot. The issue has escalated to the point where arrests have been made for flying drones dangerously close to Logan International Airport.
New York and Los Angeles Follow
New York ranks second, with 76 drone sightings causing delays across the city’s airports. In one notable incident last December, Stewart International Airport temporarily shut down its runways due to illegal drone activity. Governor Kathy Hochul has since called for increased investigation into the surge in drone reports.
Los Angeles comes in third, with 48 flight disruptions linked to drones. California overall recorded 102 delays statewide, making it the second-highest state for drone-related interruptions.
The Top 10 U.S. Cities for Drone-Related Flight Delays
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Boston, MA – 141
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New York, NY – 76
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Los Angeles, CA – 48
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Philadelphia, PA – 43
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Phoenix, AZ – 32
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San Diego, CA – 28
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Denver, CO – 27
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Houston, TX – 26
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Las Vegas, NV – 24
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Miami, FL – 23
Cities like Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Diego have also reported concerning incidents, including drones hovering near active runways and operating in restricted airspace. In one San Diego case, a drone flying at just 75 feet near an active runway reportedly resulted in a near miss with an incoming passenger aircraft.
States Most Affected by Drone Activity
On a statewide level, the ranking looks like this:
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Massachusetts – 141
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California – 102
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New York – 79
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Texas – 62
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Florida – 56
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Pennsylvania – 49
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Arizona – 33
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Colorado – 27
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Nevada – 24
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Washington – 21
Texas and Florida, in particular, have experienced notable spikes compared to 2024 data.
Why It Matters
Unauthorized drones pose more than just an inconvenience. Reports of “near misses” between drones and passenger jets have sparked concern among aviation officials. While many drone owners operate responsibly, some may be unaware of strict regulations prohibiting flight near airports without authorization.
Experts warn that while calls to “shoot down” drones may surface after high-profile incidents, that approach carries its own safety risks. Instead, aviation authorities and military agencies are exploring enhanced detection technologies, including AI-driven systems and advanced radar, to identify and respond to rogue drones more quickly.
As drone ownership continues to expand nationwide, the data underscores a growing need for stricter enforcement, clearer public education, and improved airport security technology.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple: while weather and mechanical issues remain common causes of delays, unauthorized drones are becoming an increasingly disruptive — and preventable — factor in air travel.
This research was conducted by Getac, using data from the Federal Aviation Administration.
