El Paso Airspace Closure Sparks Tension Between FAA and Pentagon

Dispute over use of new anti-drone laser technology disrupts air travel in the region

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, for 10 days, citing safety concerns over the use of new anti-drone laser technology by border officials. The move, which disrupted travel for thousands, was the latest clash between the FAA, tasked with flight safety, and the Pentagon, responsible for national security. The two agencies have been at odds over how to balance their differing objectives, leading to a series of incidents that have raised questions about interagency coordination.

Why it matters

The closure of the El Paso airspace highlights the ongoing tension between the FAA's mandate to ensure aviation safety and the Pentagon's efforts to deploy new technologies to secure the U.S. border. This clash of priorities has led to a series of confrontations that have disrupted air travel and raised concerns about the ability of these agencies to work together effectively.

The details

The dispute began when the Defense Department provided new laser technology to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who then used it to target what they believed was a cartel drone crossing the border. However, the FAA was concerned about the potential hazards of using lasers near the airspace around El Paso International Airport, where commercial planes were landing. After border officials proceeded with the technology despite the FAA's pleas, the agency took the drastic step of closing the airspace, causing significant disruption to travel in the region.

  • On Tuesday night, the FAA abruptly closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas.
  • The closure lasted for approximately 7.5 hours before being canceled on Wednesday morning.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The government agency responsible for the safety of the national airspace and the millions of people who travel through it daily.

Department of Defense (Pentagon)

The government agency tasked with keeping the United States safe, both at home and abroad.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency that received new anti-drone laser technology from the Defense Department and used it near the El Paso airspace.

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Sean Duffy

The current U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

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What they’re saying

“There's no excuse as to why agencies can't work together when you're making decisions like changing airspace rules or shutting down airspace.”

— Jeff Guzzetti, Aviation safety expert and former accident investigator

“Unacceptable. Our helicopter restrictions around DCA are crystal clear. I'll be talking to the @DeptofDefense to ask why the hell our rules were disregarded.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (X)

What’s next

It remains unclear whether the safety briefings the FAA had requested from the Defense Department have occurred since the closure was lifted, or if a moratorium on the use of the anti-drone technology is in place until those briefings can be held.

The takeaway

The clash between the FAA and the Pentagon over the use of new technologies near commercial airspace highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing national security priorities with aviation safety. This incident underscores the need for better interagency coordination and communication to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the nation's airspace.