'No Fly Zone' Issued Amid Coachella, Stagecoach Festivals

INDIO, CA — As thousands of people from around the globe pour into Coachella Valley for music festivals, a "No Fly Zone" is in effect for security reasons.

Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-Indio) released the following written statement Monday on the No Fly Zone in place for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as well as Stagecoach.

"As our Valley once again gets ready to host the Coachella Music Festival and the Stagecoach Music Festival, safety and security for residents, performers, and festivalgoers is my top priority. That is why I wrote a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting a 'No Fly Zone' to enhance the security by limiting the amount of aerial activity in the area," Ruiz said. "Thank you to Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation, the Indio Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for granting this temporary flight restriction and your commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone. Have a wonderful time at the festivals!"

The temporary No Fly Zone is "strictly for unmanned aircraft," according to a spokesperson for the congressman's office.

"The No Fly Zone went into effect on Friday, April 12th, and will remain throughout this weekend and Stagecoach," according to the spokesperson.

The only exception to the No Fly will be for law enforcement unmanned aircraft systems.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival runs April 12-14 and April 19-21. Stagecoach takes place April 26-19. Both events are being held at Indio's Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Avenue.

There are many types of airspace restrictions in the United States, including around stadiums and sporting events. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, flying drones [unmanned aircraft systems] in and around stadiums is prohibited starting one hour before and ending one hour after scheduled event times.

Violators face stiff penalties, including fines and jail time.