San Diego Departures Cleared "At Their Own Risk" After Drone Grounds 400+ Flights

A convergence of a stratospheric tower and an unidentified drone prompted significant disruptions at San Diego International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The incident resulted in the grounding of over 400 flights across various airlines as air traffic controllers prioritized safety concerns. Officials stated that departing aircraft were cleared to proceed “at their own risk,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of the situation. This event highlighted vulnerabilities within airspace management when encountering unexpected aerial objects. Authorities are currently investigating the origin and operation of the drone involved in this complex scenario.