Dallas Man Charged for Illegal Drone Flights Near Airports

DALLAS – A 24-year-old man from Dallas has been indicted for flying a drone into restricted airspace near Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 16 on four counts related to the unauthorized operation of an unmanned aircraft.

The indictment states that Gajjar operated a drone in the runway exclusion zone at Love Field around 11:30 p.m. on June 26, 2025, crossing an active runway. The following evening, he allegedly flew the same drone into the restricted airspace surrounding DFW Airport. Gajjar was arrested by federal agents on September 22 and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver. If found guilty, he could face a maximum of eight years in federal prison.

Officials have warned that drone operations in airport airspace pose significant risks to both aircraft and individuals on the ground. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized this threat, while U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould remarked on the dangers posed to pilots, passengers, and the broader community.