Kansas City FBI seizes drones flying illegally during World Cup festivities
The FBI in Kansas City is again warning the public about flying drones in restricted spaces during the World Cup, a violation that could result in hefty fines or prison time, after multiple drones were seized over the past week.
As of Tuesday, the FBI and local law enforcement agencies detected drones flying in restricted areas 14 times, according to FBI data.
Airspaces are subject to Temporary Flight Restrictions during the FIFA World Cup 2026. These include the area of Fan Fest and Kansas City Stadium, among other locations. Over the past week, law enforcement has seized nine drones that were flying illegally, the FBI said.
“Flying in these spaces is illegal and dangerous,” the FBI said on social media.
Multiple agencies target illegal drones
The FBI first warned the public about restricted flight areas in a news release earlier this month. Violations can carry penalties including up to $100,000 in fines, up to one year in prison and seizure of the drone, the release said.
Flight restrictions are aimed at protecting fans, players and infrastructure from both accidents and potential security threats, officials said.
The FBI works with the Federal Aviation Administration and other partners to enforce the restrictions. Officials from both agencies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in enforcement over the past week, the FBI said.
Officials urge drone operators to check for active flight restrictions using FAA-approved tools such as the B4UFLY app and other airspace awareness services.
Previous reporting by The Star’s Ben Wheeler contributed.
