El Paso Airport Airspace Closed Over Drone Concerns, Then Reopened

Temporary shutdown highlights tensions between FAA and military over counter-drone technology testing

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The recent, abrupt closure of El Paso International Airport's airspace, initially for ten days and then quickly reversed, highlights a growing tension between civilian aviation and national security interests, specifically concerning drone activity. The incident, triggered by a misidentified object initially believed to be a cartel drone, underscores the increasing sophistication – and perceived threat – of unmanned aerial systems.

Why it matters

The El Paso situation reveals a clear friction point between the FAA's primary mission – ensuring the safety and efficiency of civilian air travel – and the Department of Defense's national security objectives. The temporary shutdown caused immediate disruption to air travel and threatened economic repercussions for the El Paso region, which relies on the airport for both passenger and cargo traffic.

The details

On February 11, 2026, the FAA grounded all flights in and out of El Paso, citing 'special security reasons.' The swift action stemmed from the Department of Defense testing anti-drone technology, specifically a laser counter-drone system, near the airport. A CBP (Customs and Border Protection) agent deployed the laser, mistakenly targeting what turned out to be a party balloon. The FAA initially imposed a 10-nautical-mile radius restriction, impacting commercial air travel. The ban was lifted hours later after the Trump administration stated a Mexican cartel drone that had breached U.S. Airspace had been neutralized.

  • On February 11, 2026, the FAA grounded all flights in and out of El Paso.
  • The FAA initially imposed a 10-nautical-mile radius restriction, impacting commercial air travel.
  • The ban was lifted hours later.

The players

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration, the agency responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civilian air travel.

Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense, which is responsible for national security and has been deploying counter-drone technology near the border.

CBP

Customs and Border Protection, the agency that deployed the laser counter-drone system that mistakenly targeted a party balloon.

Trump administration

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which stated that a Mexican cartel drone had been neutralized, leading to the lifting of the airspace restriction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The FAA and Department of Defense were scheduled to discuss safety precautions later in February, but the Department of Defense sought to use the technology earlier.

The takeaway

The El Paso incident highlights the growing tension between the FAA's mission to ensure safe and efficient air travel and the Department of Defense's national security priorities. It underscores the need for improved coordination and communication between these agencies to address the increasing threat of drone activity near critical infrastructure.