FBI Baltimore and Federal Partners Warn Drone Operators of Temporary Flight Restrictions During SAIL250 Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD / June 22, 2026 —Planning to fly your drone in Baltimore during SAIL250 Maryland? Be aware that the government will establish temporary flight restrictions around the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Under Armour Pier, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport. Flying a drone in a restricted zone is not only dangerous, but it is also a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation.
Temporary flight restrictions define a certain area of airspace where air travel—including drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—is limited for a specific period of time. Restriction details include size, altitude, date, time, and the types of operations that are restricted or permitted. All pilots are required to adhere to the restrictions.
SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore will take place in Maryland from June 24 through June 30. Unsafe or improper use of a drone during this time frame poses a physical hazard to other aircraft and to individuals on the ground. The temporary flight restrictions are intended to protect ship crew, cadets and midshipmen, aviators, visitors, and critical infrastructure, such as power lines and cell phone towers, from accidents and security threats. It is prohibited to fly a drone or UAS in and around SAIL250 Maryland events.
The FBI is authorized by law to use counter-UAS capabilities to mitigate unauthorized drone activity within restricted airspace, while preserving evidence for potential prosecution. The FBI works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce temporary flight restrictions. This is done by using federally authorized capabilities to detect, track, and assess unauthorized drone activity that could threaten aviation safety, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Throughout the event, the FBI is deploying counter-UAS protection teams to support state and local law enforcement, providing layered protection against unauthorized drones.
“The FBI will use its full suite of investigative and intelligence capabilities to ensure SAIL250 Maryland is safe for everyone,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “We will identify drone operators who are violating temporary flight restrictions, seize their drones, and support prosecution to the fullest extent possible.”
“Operating a drone in restricted airspace is dangerous and against the law. An unmanned aircraft system operator could lose control of the drone, threatening the safety and lives of those below,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “So, anyone who operates an unmanned aircraft system in the No-Drone Zone during SAIL250 Maryland should expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The Coast Guard remains focused on ensuring the public can safely enjoy this historic maritime celebration with confidence,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kate Newkirk, deputy incident commander, Sector Maryland - National Capital Region. “A part of accomplishing that mission includes coordinating closely with our partner agencies to implement integrated safety and security plans which addresses unmanned aircraft systems.”
Before every flight, drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. These tools provide real-time information on temporary flight restrictions, restricted airspace, and other advisories based on the operator’s location. We encourage you to review www.tfr.faa.gov for a full list of temporary flight restrictions in place.
If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 911. Together, let’s keep the skies—and SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore—safe for everyone.
Resources:
- FBI Baltimore/USAO Maryland SAIL250 PSA
- FBI Electronic Tip Form
- FAA Drones page
- FAA TFR page
- Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Operating Drone Over Venue Hosting NFL Wild Card Game
FBI Baltimore
FBI Baltimore Press Office
BaltimoreMedia@fbi.gov
Source: Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
