In a rare and highly disruptive episode on February 10–11, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unexpectedly closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, grounding flights at El Paso International Airport and creating confusion for airlines, passengers, and regional logistics providers.
While federal authorities initially cited unspecified “special security reasons,” later reporting indicates the shutdown was tied to the use of an anti-drone laser system near the U.S.–Mexico border without adequate coordination with aviation regulators.
An Unprecedented Airspace Closure
Late on Tuesday night, the FAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the closure of all civilian air traffic over a roughly 10-mile radius around El Paso International Airport, including commercial, cargo and general aviation flights, for what was described as “special security reasons.”
The restriction was initially slated to last ten days, a dramatic and highly unusual move given the central role this airport plays as a key regional transportation hub serving more than three million travelers annually and linking West Texas and Northern Mexico.
However, less than eight hours later the FAA abruptly lifted the flight ban, stating there was no current threat to commercial aviation and that normal flights could resume.
What Triggered the Shutdown
Subsequent reporting across multiple outlets — including PBS NewsHour and The Associated Press — found that the chain of events began with the Pentagon allowing the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deploy a high-energy laser anti-drone system near Fort Bliss without informing the FAA.
That deployment, reportedly aimed at countering suspected Mexican cartel drones near the border, prompted the FAA to halt air traffic out of an abundance of caution due to potential safety risks posed by experimental military technology in civilian airspace.
In at least one reported incident, the object targeted by the laser turned out to be a mylar party balloon, illustrating the uncertainties raised by deploying untested systems near commercial flight paths.
Federal lawmakers and local officials criticized the lack of advance notice, with Texas Representative Veronica Escobar saying the narrative of a cartel drone incursion did not align with what her office had been told.
Disruptions to Airlines and Travelers
Though the closure was short-lived, its impact on airline operations was immediate:
- Flights canceled and delayed: At least seven arrivals and seven departures were canceled during the brief closure, stranding passengers and complicating airline schedules.
- Rerouted and diverted services: Airlines were forced to reroute aircraft and adjust flight plans. Medical evacuation flights and other urgent operations also faced delays because of the restricted airspace.
- Airport operations halted: El Paso International Airport — typically active with daily commercial departures and cargo movements — went temporarily quiet as air traffic control orders grounded all flights, affecting not just passenger movements but also regional freight logistics.
- Passenger inconvenience: Travelers already at the airport had to seek alternate flights, change itineraries or wait for airlines to rebook them once the restriction was lifted, leading to frustration and additional operational strain for airline customer service teams.
The incident also raised alarms for airlines and aviation safety experts because such sudden airspace closures without clear justification — and without consultation with carriers — undermine airline planning and resource allocation, especially in times of tight schedules and high utilization.
Broader Industry and Government Implications
Beyond the immediate impact on flights, the El Paso episode highlights a broader coordination and communication gap between civilian aviation regulators and federal defense or homeland security agencies. Previous investigations into mid-air safety incidents have also underscored persistent challenges in information sharing between the FAA and military organizations.
Airline executives and industry groups are likely to push for clearer protocols and mandatory notification requirements before national security operations intersect with commercial airspace, to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
Additionally, the incident may prompt policymakers to re-evaluate how experimental defense technologies are deployed near major airports, particularly when their use could put civilian flights at risk or require dramatic measures like temporary airspace closures.
What Comes Next
Federal agencies, including the FAA, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, have scheduled discussions later this month to address unresolved details about how counter-drone technology should be integrated with civilian air traffic management without compromising safety or disrupting commercial operations.
For airlines and the traveling public, the El Paso closure serves as a stark reminder of how national security decisions can cascade into operational challenges — and the importance of strong interagency communication to ensure that commercial airspace remains safe, reliable and predictable.
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