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El Paso Airport Briefly Closed Due to Drone Concerns
FAA reversed course hours after shutting down airspace, citing 'cartel drone incursion'
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly closed the airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days, citing 'special security reasons.' However, the FAA reversed course just hours later, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stating the 'threat has been neutralized' and there was no longer 'danger to commercial travel in the region.'
Why it matters
The FAA's decision to suddenly close and then reopen the El Paso airport has raised questions from aviation safety experts about the decision-making process and the potential risks involved. Airspace closures of this nature are highly unusual during peacetime, and the 10-day timeframe initially proposed was seen as excessive by some experts.
The details
According to reports, the initial closure was prompted by concerns over a 'cartel drone incursion,' though officials later indicated the shutdown was actually due to the Pentagon's use of new counter-drone technology and fears about the risks it could pose to other aircraft. The FAA also issued similar notices restricting airspace in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and New Orleans, though those remain in effect.
- On Wednesday, the FAA issued a notice closing the airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days.
- Hours later, the FAA reversed course and reopened the El Paso airspace.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.
Sean Duffy
The U.S. Transportation Secretary who stated the 'cartel drone incursion' threat had been neutralized.
Biggs Army Airfield
A military airfield located on Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, where the U.S. military operates unmanned aircraft and laser countermeasure systems.
Rep. Rick Larsen
A Democratic U.S. Representative who criticized the FAA's 'chaotic outcome' in El Paso.
Rep. André Carson
A Democratic U.S. Representative who criticized the FAA's 'chaotic outcome' in El Paso.
What they’re saying
“What happened in El Paso last night is unacceptable.”
— Rep. Rick Larsen, Ranking Member, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Joint statement with Rep. André Carson)
“This chaotic outcome is the result of ham-handed language forced into the [National Defense Authorization Act] by the White House that allowed the Pentagon to act recklessly in the public airspace.”
— Rep. André Carson, Ranking Member, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Joint statement with Rep. Rick Larsen)
“The news is reporting that cartel drones are being shot down by our military. That's what we all should care about right now—protecting America.”
— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (House Judiciary Committee hearing)
What’s next
The FAA has not provided a clear explanation for why the airspace restrictions remain in place in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and New Orleans, even after the El Paso airspace was reopened.
The takeaway
The FAA's abrupt closure and reopening of the El Paso airport highlights the need for greater transparency and coordination between government agencies when it comes to managing the national airspace, especially in response to emerging security threats like drone activity.
