local
JetBlue pilot reports hitting drone at JFK International Airport same day helicopter reports near collision with model plane
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
By Alexandra Skores, Pete Muntean, CNN
Washington, DC (CNN) — A JetBlue Airways passenger jet reported hitting a drone on Monday while preparing to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the same day a helicopter said it almost hit a model airplane nearby, the Federal Aviation Administr...
Key takeaway The pilot aboard JetBlue Flight 948 reported the strike at approximately 3,000 feet in altitude while on final approach to the runway around 7:15 a.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The incident at JFK International Airport has implications for El Paso 's own aviation community, where drone usage is becoming increasingly prevalent. As the FAA investigates the suspected collision, local authorities may need to reassess their own drone regulations and enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents at El Paso International Airport. The fact that drones are prohibited from flying around airports, yet the FAA still receives numerous reports of sightings, suggests that more needs to be done to educate operators about the risks and consequences of unauthorized drone flights. El Paso residents may recall recent events, such as the Balloonfest or the Sun Bowl, where drones were likely in use, and consider the potential risks to aircraft and public safety. As the city continues to grow and host large events, it is crucial that local officials prioritize drone safety and work to prevent incidents like the one at JFK from happening in El Paso.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Alexandra Skores, Pete Muntean, CNN
Washington, DC (CNN) — A JetBlue Airways passenger jet reported hitting a drone on Monday while preparing to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the same day a helicopter said it almost hit a model airplane nearby, the Federal Aviation Administr...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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