The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a directive on Wednesday to suspend all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas, citing “special security reasons.” The airport, located near the Biggs Army Airfield and the border with Juarez, Mexico, initially announced a 10-day flight halt on Instagram just before midnight on February 11. However, the FAA later announced the lifting of the airspace closure in El Paso around 9 a.m. ET the same day, stating that there was no threat to commercial aviation.
Government and airline sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that the FAA closed the airspace due to concerns over potential risks to air traffic posed by a laser-based counterdrone system being tested by the U.S. army near Fort Bliss, adjacent to the airport. Following discussions, the FAA lifted the restrictions after the army agreed to conduct additional safety tests before deploying the system.
The unexpected closure of El Paso’s airspace caught the White House off guard, triggering a swift response from law enforcement agencies to investigate the situation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed the closure to a drone incursion by a Mexican drug cartel. However, officials noted that drone sightings near airports typically lead to temporary traffic pauses, not extended closures, as drone incursions in the area are common.
The closure left multiple aircraft from major airlines like Southwest, United, and American Airlines stranded at the airport, which caters to around four million passengers annually. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson expressed disappointment that neither the FAA nor other relevant authorities had informed local officials before shutting down the airspace, calling it a significant and unnecessary disruption.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed unawareness of drones being used along the U.S. border when asked about the temporary suspension. She mentioned that Mexican defense and navy officials would attend a meeting in Washington with U.S. Northern Command representatives from various countries, emphasizing Mexico’s commitment to sovereignty.
El Paso, with a population of approximately 680,000 residents, stands as the 23rd largest city in the U.S. The airport handled 3.49 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, accommodating travelers from major U.S. airlines. The decision to close the airspace over an American city is a rare occurrence, reminiscent of actions taken nationwide after the 9/11 attacks.
In a statement, airline industry consultant Bob Mann questioned the FAA’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and explanations. The FAA had previously cautioned airlines about flying over certain regions due to potential military activities. Recent tensions between the U.S. and regional leaders have escalated following military actions and statements regarding drug cartels, highlighting ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region.