US Transportation Secretary Defends El Paso Airport Closure

Duffy says closure was not a mistake, will brief Congress on decision

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to temporarily close the El Paso airport last week, stating it was not a mistake. Duffy said the department will brief lawmakers next week who have raised concerns about the closure.

Why it matters

The abrupt closure of the El Paso airport caused significant disruptions for travelers and raised questions about the reasoning behind the decision. As a major transportation hub, the airport's operations are crucial for the region's economy and connectivity.

The details

The FAA initially said it was closing the El Paso airport for 10 days before reversing course within hours. Reports indicate the closure was due to concerns about a military laser-based anti-drone system. Duffy defended his previous social media post about the incident, stating he used the information available to him at the time.

  • The El Paso airport was closed for a brief period last week.

The players

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who defended the decision to temporarily close the El Paso airport.

Federal Aviation Administration

The agency that initially announced and then reversed the decision to close the El Paso airport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I use the information that I get.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (Reuters)

What’s next

Duffy said the Department of Transportation will brief lawmakers next week on the decision to close the El Paso airport.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of the El Paso airport raised concerns about transparency and communication from federal transportation officials, underscoring the need for clear explanations when major transportation hubs are disrupted.