Airspace Closure Followed Dispute Over Drone Tests and Balloon Shootdown

Pentagon and FAA clashed over military technology use near El Paso airport

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The unexpected but brief airspace closure in El Paso, Texas stemmed from disagreements between the Federal Aviation Administration and Pentagon officials over drone-related tests using military technology near the city's airport. The FAA administrator closed the airspace without alerting other agencies, citing safety concerns, while the Pentagon wanted to test anti-drone technology sooner to meet legal requirements. The closure was also related to the military's recent shooting down of what turned out to be a party balloon, mistaken for a cartel drone.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between federal agencies over the use of military technology near civilian airspace, as well as the challenges in coordinating responses to perceived threats from drones, especially near the U.S. southern border where cartel activity is a concern.

The details

Pentagon officials had undertaken extensive planning to use high-energy laser technology near the Fort Bliss military base, which borders the El Paso International Airport, to practice taking down drones. Meetings were scheduled with the FAA over safety impacts, but the Pentagon wanted to test the technology sooner, stating it had met legal requirements. The FAA administrator then decided to close the airspace without alerting other agencies, citing the need to resolve issues with the Pentagon. Earlier this week, the military had also launched anti-drone technology near the border, shooting down what turned out to be a party balloon mistaken for a cartel drone.

  • On Wednesday night, the FAA administrator closed the El Paso airspace.
  • The initial airspace restrictions were set for 10 days, a duration not used since 9/11.
  • Earlier this week, the military launched anti-drone technology near the southern border and shot down a party balloon.

The players

Bryan Bedford

The FAA administrator who decided to close the El Paso airspace without alerting other agencies.

Sean Duffy

The Transportation Secretary who said the FAA and Department of Defense acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion and that normal flights have resumed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary (CBS News)

What’s next

It is unclear whether anyone will face consequences for the miscommunications that led to the airspace closure.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in coordinating the use of military technology near civilian airspace, especially when responding to perceived threats from drones near the U.S. southern border. It underscores the need for better communication and cooperation between federal agencies to ensure public safety while also addressing national security concerns.