# FAA Restricts U.S.-Mexico Border Drone Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration announced a temporary restriction prohibiting unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level and extending one nautical mile north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The notice identifies no new solicitation, contract award, or funding commitment, but changes the operating conditions for UAS work in the affected airspace and is relevant to contractors supporting aviation, border security, and counter-UAS missions.

- UAS operators and contractors must account for the restricted airspace when planning or conducting drone activity; the restriction applies to unauthorized flights within the specified area.
- The notice does not establish a procurement opportunity or funding source. Companies should distinguish this operational restriction from an announced contract action.
- Contractors can use the restriction as a planning consideration for existing border-area work and, as identified in the signal, monitor FAA, DoD, and border-security procurement activity for related opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- U.S. Army (Army)

### Sources
- [Federal Aviation Administration bans unauthorized drones along US-Mexico border](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6155022-us-mexico-border-drone-ban) - The Hill
- [DOT sets up no-drone zone along southern border | FedScoop](https://fedscoop.com/dot-dhs-dod-no-drone-zone-tfr-southern-border) - FedScoop