Federal Aviation Administration officials unveiled a proposal Tuesday to restrict drone flights over sensitive facilities like oil refineries, government buildings, and stadiums. The plan would allow site operators to request airspace restrictions by proving drone activity poses risks to aviation safety or national security. Facilities must demonstrate threats are “necessary for aviation safety, protection of people and property, or homeland security” to qualify for permanent or temporary bans. The 181-page rule, years in the making, opens a 60-day public comment period Wednesday but avoids addressing law enforcement counter-drone tactics.

The proposal creates two restriction categories: special limits for federal sites and commercial bans for private infrastructure. It follows the Trump administration’s push for “drone dominance” through an executive order prioritizing safe commercialization. Industry groups like the Commercial Drone Alliance praise the framework as a step toward balancing operations with security, though critics note gaps in enforcement mechanisms.

Key examples in the document include drones smuggling contraband into prisons and risks to stadiums hosting large events. The FAA argues civil penalties will deter violations, shifting focus to monitoring rogue operators. Meanwhile, a separate rule governing beyond-line-of-sight flights—critical for commercial expansion—remains under review.

This move comes as drone use surges, with 1.7 million registered in the U.S. last year. Analysts suggest the policy could reshape airspace management but warn unclear guidelines may delay industry adoption. The FAA’s dual focus on safety and commercial growth highlights ongoing tensions in regulating a rapidly evolving technology.