A Dallas man could face up to eight years in federal prison after allegedly flying a drone into restricted airspace around Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Pujan Prashantkumar Gajjar, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 16 September on four charges linked to the unauthorised operation of an unmanned aircraft in protected airport airspace.
Drone allegedly crossed active runway
Prosecutors allege that Gajjar flew a drone into the runway exclusion zone at Dallas Love Field at about 11.30pm on 26 June 2025. The indictment claims the aircraft crossed an active runway.
The following night, he allegedly operated the same drone in restricted airspace surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Gajjar is also accused of knowingly acting as an airman without the required certificate in connection with the flights.
Federal agents arrested him on 22 September. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver later that day.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI’s Dallas field office and the Federal Air Marshal Service, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Officials warn of danger to aircraft
R Joseph Rothrock, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Dallas, said operating a drone in restricted airport airspace could threaten pilots, passengers and crew in the air, as well as people on the ground.
Ryan Raybould, the US attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said unauthorised drone incursions put aircraft and the wider community at risk.
The charges remain allegations. Gajjar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
