Dallas man indicted for flying drone into protected airspace surrounding two major airports

DALLAS - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a Dallas man has been charged with repeatedly flying a drone into restricted airspace around both Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

On Sept. 16, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar, 24, on offenses related to the unauthorized operation of an unmanned aircraft in protected airport airspace.

"Safe and secure air travel depends on strict compliance with federal aviation rules," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Unauthorized drone incursions into protected airport airspace jeopardizes aircraft and endangers pilots, passengers and the entire community. This office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our airspace."

"Operating a drone in restricted airport space threatens the safety of pilots, passengers, and crew in the air as well as communities on the ground," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "The FBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate these types of violations and ensure those who endanger our airspace are held accountable."

According to the indictment, Mr. Gajjar allegedly flew a drone into the runway exclusion zone at Dallas Love Field around 11:30 p.m. on June 26, 2025, with the drone allegedly crossing an active runway. The following night, he allegedly flew the same drone into restricted airspace surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The indictment further alleges that, in connection with the same flights, Mr. Gajjar knowingly and willfully served as an airman without the required airman's certificate.

Federal agents arrested Gajjar Sept. 22. He made his initial appearance the same day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver. If convicted, Gajjar faces up to eight years in federal prison.

The FBI Dallas and the Federal Air Marshal Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward L. Hocter from the National Security Section is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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