Passenger plane landing at New York's JFK Airport 'hit by drone'

A commercial pilot reported a collision with a drone as he approached New York's JFK Airport to land on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at around 7.15am local time (12.15pm UK time), as the plane passed through 3,000 feet.

According to ATC.com, a live air traffic control app, the pilot said: "We collided with a drone back there in the turn. It hit us right above the cockpit."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321 capable of carrying up to 220 travellers, landed safely without any additional help. The plane had taken off from Las Vegas.

Airline JetBlue said all passengers disembarked normally, with "no damage or evidence of a collision" being found during an inspection.

It added in a statement: "Safety is JetBlue's first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations."

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The incident comes just days after a United Airlines pilot told air traffic control he had nearly collided with a drone while descending into Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey.

Drones are generally allowed to fly below 400 feet, but there are airspace restrictions around airports and public events.

Nevertheless, the FAA says it receives reports of more than 100 drone sightings near US airports every month.

It has warned that unauthorised drone operators could face ⁠fines or jail time.

(c) Sky News 2026: Passenger plane landing at New York's JFK Airport 'hit by drone'