Dallas Man Indicted for Unauthorized Drone Flights

A federal grand jury charged a man with flying drones into restricted airspace at two major North Texas airports.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Air Travel

Dallas Man Indicted for Unauthorized Drone Flights

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Should unauthorized drone flights near major airports face stricter criminal prosecution?

Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar was indicted on four federal counts following alleged unauthorized drone operations at Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in June 2025. Federal agents arrested the 24-year-old in September 2026 after he allegedly operated an aircraft without a required certificate.

Why it matters

The case highlights federal enforcement efforts to protect critical airport infrastructure from unauthorized unmanned aircraft incursions. These regulations ensure safety by preventing potential mid-air collisions within active runway zones.

Gajjar faces a maximum potential sentence of eight years in federal prison. The charges stem from flights conducted on June 26 and June 27, 2025, within highly restricted aviation zones.

The players

Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar

The 24-year-old defendant was charged for allegedly operating unauthorized drones in restricted airport airspace.

Renee Harris Toliver

She is the Magistrate Judge presiding over the initial court appearance for the defendant in the Northern District of Texas.

The details

Prosecutors allege the defendant flew a drone into a runway exclusion zone at Dallas Love Field and entered restricted airspace at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The defendant also faces charges for operating an unmanned aircraft without a required airman certificate.

June 26, 2025: Initial unauthorized drone flight at Dallas Love Field.
June 27, 2025: Second drone flight into Dallas-Fort Worth restricted airspace.
September 16, 2026: Federal grand jury returned the four-count indictment.
September 22, 2026: Federal agents arrested Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar.

Roadmap

This incident mirrors broader regulatory efforts to integrate drones into national airspace while maintaining safety standards. It demonstrates how federal authorities apply existing aviation laws to mitigate risks posed by unauthorized unmanned aircraft near commercial flight paths.

Travelers should be aware that unauthorized drone activity can lead to temporary runway closures and significant flight delays at major hubs. While drone hobbyists must adhere to FAA restrictions, these incidents serve as a reminder of the strict security protocols protecting regional airports.

The takeaway

Unauthorized flight incursions can lead to severe criminal penalties under federal law. Operators must ensure they maintain valid certification and strictly avoid restricted airport zones to prevent both safety hazards and prosecution.