United Airlines Flight Faces Close Call With Drone Near Newark

WHO:

CNN - The pilot of a United Airlines passenger jet.

CNN - United Airlines, which operated the flight.

CNN - GoJet Airlines, which operated a United Express flight.

WHAT:

NY Post - A United Airlines jet nearly collided with a drone while landing.

CNN - The drone was described as circular and approximately three feet wide.

CNN - The Boeing 737 was carrying 106 passengers and 5 crew members.

CNN - The flight landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport.

WHERE:

NY Post - Newark Airport, New Jersey.

CNN - Newark Liberty International Airport.

WHEN:

CNN - The incident occurred on a Friday.

CNN - The flight landed at approximately 5:30 p.m.

WHY:

CNN - The Federal Aviation Authority prohibits the use of drones in controlled airspaces or near manned aircraft without official permission.

HOW:

CNN - The pilot reported the near-collision in air traffic control audio, stating, “We almost hit a drone,” and noted it was “about 100 feet below us.”

CNN - Another pilot reported seeing a drone at roughly 2,000 feet during the same timeframe.

(UPDATED June 27, 2026 15:22 UTC)

A United Airlines jet carrying 106 passengers and five crew members nearly collided with a drone while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The drone, described as circular and about three feet wide, was reported by the pilot, who alerted air traffic control, saying, “We almost hit a drone,” and noted it was “about 100 feet below us.” The incident highlights ongoing concerns, as the Federal Aviation Authority prohibits drone use in controlled airspaces or near manned aircraft without official permission.