El Paso airspace was abruptly closed for 10 days on February 10 due to 'special security reasons' before the FAA lifted restrictions the next morning.
On the night of Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration surprised pilots with a notice that airspace over El Paso, Texas , would be closed for 10 days due to “special security reasons.” By Wednesday morning, the restrictions were suddenly lifted, leaving the city’s airport in confusion for several hours.
The abrupt decision raised questions across federal agencies and drew attention from lawmakers and international observers. Officials gave conflicting explanations for the closure, leaving the public unsure about what actually occurred in the skies above El Paso.Conflicting explanations from officialsTrump administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, claimed the airspace closure was prompted by drones operated by Mexican drug cartels crossing into the United States. Duffy posted on social media that the FAA and Department of Defense “acted swiftly” and had “neutralised” the threat.The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming. https://t.co/xQA1cMy7l0— Secretary Sean Duffy February 11, 2026However, other sources familiar with the situation said the closure was related to military testing, not cartel drones. The Pentagon reportedly flew drones and tested high-energy laser technology designed to counter unmanned aircraft. These activities, conducted outside normal flight paths near El Paso International Airport, caused FAA concern about possible interference with civilian flights.The Pentagon recently used the technology to shoot down an object it thought was a drone, which turned out to be a party balloon, according to The Wall Street Journal.Lawmakers demand clarityThe unusual closure quickly drew attention from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, said, “The details of what exactly occurred over El Paso are unclear,” and requested a classified briefing. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford briefed senators on air traffic modernization but declined to discuss El Paso further.Democrats also criticized the move. Congressman Rick Larsen and André Carson called the situation “unacceptable” and said expanded Defense Department authorities allowed the Pentagon “to act recklessly in the public airspace.” Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her government would investigate the closure, stating, “There is no information about the use of drones at the border.”
Drones FAA FAA Investigation Laser Defence System Mexico Border Pentagon Texas US Army
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