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Washington - US regulators will ban drones and other unmanned aircraft during Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia in September as part of security measures being implemented for the two-day event, officials said on Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the aircraft restrictions, including the barring of model airplanes and hot air balloons in Philadelphia on September 26 and 27, when the pope is to tour the city during his first visit to the US.
"The restrictions are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the event but also ensure fair and equitable access to all airspace users to the greatest extent possible," the FAA said.
The agency said the US Department of Homeland Security had requested the bans. It did not say what potential security risks drones or other aircraft could pose during the pope's visit.
The number of unauthorised drone flights in the US has jumped over the past year, raising concerns that the devices could collide with commercial aircraft or be used as a weapon in a targeted attack.
Drones have flown dangerously close to airliners, transported illegal drugs into the US from Mexico and caused a security scare at the White House.
Along with the aircraft restrictions, city officials on Thursday released details about on-the-ground security during the pope's visit, including public transportation shutdowns, blocking off a 10km2 area in central Philadelphia and management of security by the Secret Service, which protects the president and visiting heads of state.
Mayor Michael Nutter joked in a news conference that those expecting to have close contact with the pope might be disappointed.
"If anyone thinks that they (can) walk up and give Pope Francis a high-five... that's probably not going to happen," Nutter said.
