Drones Banned from Flying Over Dallas Stadium During World Cup Matches

When England takes on Croatia Wednesday in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup, the area surrounding AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will be conspicuously absent of any aircraft.

That’s because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight across parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex during World Cup matches effort to ensure no drones are flown around the stadium. The temporary flight restrictions temporarily restrict all aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, more commonly known as “drones”) – from flying over a specific geographic area.

Drones present a security risk for major sporting events, with their ability to cause physical harm of damage property. Even small drones can carry potentially dangerous payloads.

The temporary flight restriction is in effect for the nine World Cup matches held at AT&T Stadium – referred to in the world soccer tournament as “Dallas Stadium.” The flight restriction will span a 3-nautical-mile radius from AT&T Stadium, up to 3,000 feet, and will take effect 3 hours before the start of each match and will conclude 3 hours after the end of each match, the Department of Justice said.

A temporary flight restriction will also be in effect during the FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas, spanning 1-nautical-mile radius from the Dos Equis Pavilion in Fair Park, up to 1,000 feet.

Under the temporary flight restriction, the flying of any drone or other aircraft or UAS will be forbidden unless prior approval is obtained from the FAA.

Photo: AT&T stadium in the city of Arlington – home of the Dallas Cowboys – aerial view – DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 30, 2022

Topics Drones