The flights, scheduled for June 3, June 28, and July 13, are
designed to establish baseline radiological readings in the region. The data
collected will assist federal and local authorities in preparing for the
high-profile sporting events slated to take place at the Dallas Stadium in
Arlington and the Fair Park/Cotton Bowl area in Dallas.
To gather the information, the EPA will utilize its Airborne
Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT) aircraft.
Residents and visitors in the greater downtown Dallas area should expect to see
the specialized aircraft flying at low altitudes; however, officials emphasized
that these flights are a routine part of federal emergency preparedness and do
not indicate a specific threat.
The flights are the result of a multi-agency collaboration
involving the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, the
City of Arlington, the City of Dallas, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, DFW
TRACON, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The EPA stated that these surveys are a standard
precautionary measure to ensure the safety of large-scale international events.
By establishing a radiological baseline well in advance of the 2026 tournament,
officials aim to enhance their ability to respond effectively to any potential
environmental or security concerns during the World Cup.
As the host cities continue their preparations for the
tournament, authorities maintain that the security of spectators and
participants remains a primary focus. No major disruptions to air traffic or
public activities are expected during these scheduled data collection windows.
