A temporary airspace closure in El Paso, Texas, was caused by a disagreement between the FAA and the Pentagon over drone-related testing. The situation involved military exercises near Fort Bliss and the use of anti-drone technology, leading to confusion and the grounding of flights. The incident highlights communication breakdowns and the challenges of managing airspace security.
The temporary airspace closure in El Paso , Texas, a border city, was caused by a dispute between the Federal Aviation Administration and Pentagon officials over drone-related tests, according to multiple sources speaking to CBS News. The Pentagon had extensively planned to use military technology near Fort Bliss, a military base adjacent to El Paso International Airport, to practice taking down drones. Several sources identified the technology in question as a high-energy laser system.
Despite scheduled meetings regarding safety implications, Pentagon officials desired to commence testing sooner, asserting that U.S. Code 130i requirements, which pertain to safeguarding specific facilities from unmanned aircraft, had been fulfilled. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford made the decision to close the airspace on Tuesday night without informing the White House, Pentagon, or Homeland Security officials, according to sources. Bedford informed officials that the airspace restrictions were to ensure safety until the issues with the Department of War were resolved. The FAA declined to offer any comment on the matter. The critical bulletin issued to pilots and airlines, instructing them to avoid flying below 18,000 feet, was initially slated to last ten days, a duration unprecedented since the 9/11 terror attacks, which required the grounding of all flights. The FAA notice warned that violators risked being shot down. Customs and Border Protection utilized the laser weapon earlier in the week, following training from the U.S. military, as per several sources familiar with its deployment. Officials had earlier provided the FAA with a 10-day window within which the technology would be employed.\The anti-drone technology was deployed near the southern border in an attempt to neutralize what appeared to be foreign drones. However, the flying object turned out to be a party balloon, as indicated by various sources. One balloon was successfully shot down, according to reports. Sources suggest that Mexican cartels have recently been operating drones along the border, although it remains uncertain how many, if any, were targeted by the military's anti-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) technology during the week. One official stated that at least one cartel drone was effectively disabled. The grounding of all flights, including emergency medical evacuation services, spurred a swift response from law enforcement agencies on Wednesday morning, who were attempting to ascertain the reason behind the security message known as a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions). The situation was discussed during a regular meeting at the office of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on Wednesday morning, and within a few minutes, the FAA lifted the restrictions, according to sources. Sources familiar with the discussions stated that Pentagon and Department of Transportation officials had been collaborating on the military drone tests for months, with the FAA being assured that commercial air travel was not at risk. Two airline sources mentioned that airline officials were informed that the decision to halt flights in and out of El Paso Airport was primarily due to drone activity and efforts by the U.S. government to address it. Airlines were under the impression that the airspace closure was a precautionary measure, as the FAA was unable to predict the flight paths of U.S. government drones. These drones had reportedly been operating outside their typical flight patterns. Airlines were also aware of the apparent disagreement between FAA and Pentagon officials, due to the Pentagon's use of Fort Bliss for anti-cartel drone operations without fully informing the FAA, as per the sources.\One official mentioned that it was uncertain whether any individuals would face consequences due to the miscommunications surrounding the closure. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a statement, stating that the FAA and DOW (Department of War) took prompt action to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been eliminated, and there is no danger to commercial air travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted, and normal flight operations are resuming. When asked by CBS News about the number of drones targeted, the actions taken, and the timing, the Pentagon declined to provide any further information. The FAA's heightened vigilance can be linked to a mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., a year prior, involving a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet. The incident underscores the complexities of managing airspace and the importance of coordination between various agencies, especially in areas with potential security threats
FAA Pentagon Drones Airspace Closure El Paso
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