FAA Shuts Down El Paso Airspace Over Alleged Cartel Drone

The FAA ordered the airspace above the El Paso International Airport to be closed down for 10 days, but then reversed the decision just hours later.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily shut down the airspace above the El Paso International Airport for seven hours on February 12, 2026, citing an alleged threat from a cartel drone. The FAA initially ordered the airspace to be closed for 10 days, but then reversed the decision just hours later.

Why it matters

The sudden closure of the El Paso airspace caused significant disruptions to air travel in the region, raising concerns about the FAA's decision-making process and the potential threat of cartel activity near major airports.

The details

The FAA cited an unspecified threat from a cartel drone as the reason for the airspace closure. However, the agency provided few details about the nature of the threat or the evidence that led to the decision. The closure affected all flights in and out of the El Paso airport, causing delays and cancellations for travelers.

  • On February 12, 2026, the FAA ordered the airspace above the El Paso International Airport to be closed down for 10 days.
  • Just hours later, the FAA reversed its decision and reopened the airspace.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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

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What’s next

The FAA has not provided any further details on the alleged cartel drone threat or the reasons for the sudden reversal of the airspace closure. It remains to be seen if the agency will investigate the incident and provide more transparency to the public.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of the El Paso airspace highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aviation authorities in addressing potential security threats, while also balancing the need for efficient and reliable air travel. The incident raises questions about the FAA's decision-making process and the need for greater transparency in such matters.