El Paso Airspace Closed Amid Pentagon-FAA Dispute

Military laser test to counter cartel drones sparked temporary shutdown

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas was the result of a dispute between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over a military test of a laser system designed to thwart cartel drones, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in coordinating military operations and commercial air traffic, especially when new technologies are being tested for national security purposes. It also raises questions about the potential impact of cartel drone activity on border security.

The details

The Pentagon was reportedly testing a laser system intended to disable or disrupt drones used by drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. However, the FAA raised concerns about the safety of the test and its potential impact on civilian air traffic, leading to a temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso while the dispute was resolved.

  • The airspace closure occurred on February 11, 2026.

The players

Pentagon

The U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for national security and military operations.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, including air traffic control.

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What’s next

The Pentagon and FAA are expected to continue discussions to find a way to safely test new technologies for border security while minimizing disruptions to commercial air traffic.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between military and civilian aviation authorities as new technologies are developed to address national security threats along the border.