Strict ‘No Drone Zone’ in Effect During Comic-Con International 2026
Follow the Rules or Leave Your Drone at Home
July 23, 2026 - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department (HPD), and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD)—wants to remind everyone of the rules forbidding drone use during Comic-Con International 2026.
A “No Drone Zone” is in place throughout the duration of the event, which runs from July 24 through July 26, with restrictions centered around the San Diego Convention Center and including the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, parts of Coronado, the bridge, and more.
The FAA established this temporary flight restriction (TFR) under regulation 99.7 for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, for the three-day event from 9:30 a.m. PDT Friday, July 24, through 7:00 p.m. PDT Sunday, July 26. The restriction covers a 1-nautical-mile radius around the area up to 400 feet in altitude for the public’s safety and security.
Flying drones in designated restricted airspace is not only illegal, but also dangerous. For more detailed information, the FAA’s flight restrictions for Comic-Con 2026 are available here: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_7911
Drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. These free tools provide near real-time information on TFRs and restricted airspace. Most drones operating in U.S. airspace are required to broadcast Remote ID. Disabling or failing to comply with Remote ID requirements is a separate federal violation and can result in additional penalties. Authorities use multiple detection methods, whether Remote ID is broadcasting or not.
The FBI, FAMS, and FAA work with other partners to enforce TFRs using authorized counter-drone tools to detect and stop unauthorized drone activity under the SAFER SKIES Act. Personnel are in place at event venues with trained state and local partners like the San Diego Police Department.
Drone operators identified as being in violation of one or more federal regulations will be referred to the FAA for investigation. The FAA has recently strengthened its enforcement priorities, and any drone that poses a danger to the public, operates in restricted airspace, or is used in furtherance of a crime will trigger mandatory enforcement action.
Unauthorized operators could face drone confiscation, revocation of pilot certificates and civil fines of up to $75,000 per violation. In addition, law enforcement agencies may pursue criminal penalties, including fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in federal prison.
Drone safety is everyone’s business. If you are at an event and observe unauthorized or unsafe drone activity, report it immediately to 911, on-site law enforcement, or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.
Our priority is the safety and security of every participant, attendee, employee and fan. Drone operators who follow the rules can help us meet that goal and make for a safe and enjoyable Comic-Con International 2026 for everyone.
FBI San Diego is one of the 56 FBI field offices centrally located in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. For more information, visit fbi.gov or fbi.gov/sandiego.
FBI San Diego
Media Coordinator
(858) 320-1800 | SDPublicAffairs@fbi.gov
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
