The approval is the first time the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted a waiver for unlimited flights over people, the news network said in an emailed statement. The standards used in the application can be applied to other applicants, potentially opening vast new uses by the media and other industries for so-called unmanned aerial systems, or UAS.

"This waiver signifies a critical step forward not only for CNN's UAS operations, but also the commercial UAS industry at large," said David Vigilante, senior vice president of legal for CNN.

The FAA currently prohibits drone flights overhead, although its regulations allow for waivers if applicants can show there's no risk of injury. Limited waivers have been issued to filmmakers and others for flights over contained areas after those on the ground consented.