El Paso Mayor Condemns Abrupt Airspace Closure

Mayor calls decision "unnecessary" and demands better communication from federal authorities.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson held a press conference to criticize the abrupt closure of airspace around the El Paso International Airport, calling it an "unnecessary decision" that has "caused chaos and confusion in the El Paso community." Mayor Johnson stated that the failure to coordinate with the city, airport, hospitals, and community leaders is "unacceptable" and puts lives at risk.

Why it matters

The airspace closure disrupted critical medical supply deliveries to El Paso hospitals and caused broader confusion and disruption in the region. As the 6th largest city in Texas and 22nd largest in the U.S., El Paso deserves better communication and coordination from federal authorities when making decisions that impact the local community.

The details

According to Mayor Johnson, the abrupt airspace closure prevented necessary medical equipment from reaching El Paso hospitals to perform scheduled operations. He demanded better communication and coordination from the FAA to ensure this does not happen again.

  • The airspace closure occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Renard Johnson

The mayor of El Paso, Texas, who held a press conference to criticize the airspace closure decision.

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What they’re saying

“This unnecessary decision has caused chaos and confusion in the El Paso community. You cannot restrict airspace over a major city. Without coordinating with the city, the airport, the hospitals, the community leadership. That failure to communicate is unacceptable.”

— Renard Johnson, Mayor of El Paso (kvia.com)

“Decisions made without notice or coordination puts lives at risk and creates unnecessary danger and confusion.”

— Renard Johnson, Mayor of El Paso (kvia.com)

“El Paso deserves better. El Paso deserves better communication. And better coordination and more respect for the El Paso and the people that live in this community. We will be following up with the FAA to make sure that this never happens again.”

— Renard Johnson, Mayor of El Paso (kvia.com)

What’s next

Mayor Johnson stated that the city will be following up with the FAA to ensure better communication and coordination in the future to prevent similar airspace closures without proper notice.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for federal authorities to work closely with local city leaders and stakeholders when making decisions that significantly impact a community, especially in major metropolitan areas like El Paso. Improved communication and coordination can help avoid disruptions to critical services and maintain public trust.