El Paso Airport Flights Blocked Amid Border Security Concerns

Ten-day airspace closure raises questions about military operations and potential cartel activity near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, for ten days, citing 'special security reasons' related to military operations at the nearby Biggs Army Airfield. The sudden restriction, which impacted hundreds of commercial flights and thousands of passengers, has sparked concerns about escalating security challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the potential involvement of Mexican drug cartels utilizing drones.

Why it matters

The El Paso airspace closure highlights the growing complexity of border security, with the increased use of drones and the potential for 'gray zone' conflicts involving non-state actors like drug cartels. This incident underscores the need for enhanced collaboration between military and civilian authorities, investment in advanced airspace surveillance technologies, and the development of effective counter-drone strategies to maintain the safety and security of commercial air travel.

The details

The FAA's decision to impose a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over El Paso and the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, caught pilots and air traffic controllers by surprise. Sources indicate the flight ban stemmed from military operations conducted by the nearby Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, which operates drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. The FAA intervened after the Department of Defense was 'unable to guarantee the safety of civilian aircraft in the area.' This suggests a heightened level of military activity potentially impacting civilian air travel. The incident has also fueled speculation about potential activity by Mexican drug cartels utilizing drones in U.S. airspace, though this remains unconfirmed.

  • The airspace closure was imposed on February 11, 2026, in the early hours of the morning.
  • The initial TFR was set to expire on February 20, 2026, a ten-day period.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Biggs Army Airfield

A military airfield located at Fort Bliss, Texas, which operates drones, helicopters, and other aircraft.

Department of Defense

The U.S. government department responsible for national defense and military operations.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant and work closely with our military and law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of our airspace.”

— Robert Jenkins, FAA Administrator (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The FAA and Department of Defense are expected to review the incident and evaluate the need for any long-term changes to airspace management and security protocols along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The takeaway

The El Paso airspace closure highlights the evolving challenges of border security, with the increased use of drones and the potential for 'gray zone' conflicts involving non-state actors. This incident underscores the need for enhanced collaboration between military and civilian authorities, investment in advanced airspace surveillance technologies, and the development of effective counter-drone strategies to maintain the safety and security of commercial air travel.