The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted low-altitude flights over downtown Dallas, Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday as part of security and emergency preparedness planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The flights use the agency’s Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology system, known as ASPECT, to gather baseline radiation data and map normal environmental conditions in areas expected to host major World Cup activities.
Additional flights are scheduled for June 28 and July 13 and will cover areas near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, downtown Dallas, and Fair Park.
City officials issued a public notice on Tuesday informing residents that the aircraft may be more visible and louder than normal air traffic due to its low operating altitude.
According to officials, the surveys are routinely conducted before major public events to help emergency responders establish background radiation levels that could be used for comparison in the event of a future incident.
Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl are expected to serve as major gathering locations during the tournament, hosting Fan Fest activities. Dallas will also host nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington between June 14 and July 14, 2026.
Federal officials said the EPA conducts similar missions nationwide ahead of large-scale events to support local, state, and federal agencies through environmental monitoring.
Dallas officials said the operation is precautionary and part of broader planning efforts tied to the World Cup, including security, traffic management and emergency response coordination.
No public safety concerns have been reported, and officials said the flights are not expected to disrupt normal activity beyond temporary aircraft noise.
