FAA Reopens El Paso Airspace Following Cartel Drone Incident: What You Need to Know

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FAA Reopens El Paso Airspace Following Cartel Drone Incident: What You Need to Know

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently lifted the closure on airspace in El Paso, Texas. All flights have resumed normal operations after a temporary ban was put in place due to a drone incursion involving Mexican cartels.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the airspace was shut down while authorities responded to the situation. Reports indicate that drone activity linked to drug cartels triggered this swift response.

The FAA initially banned all flights, including commercial and cargo, from February 10 at 11:30 PM to February 20 at 11:30 PM. This closure affected not only El Paso but also nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

El Paso’s city leaders voiced their concerns during a press conference. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar stressed that the abrupt decision by the FAA caused significant worry in the community. She noted that her office had received no advance warning about the closure and has urged for improved communication from the FAA. According to her office, there was no immediate threat to the public.

Congressman Tony Gonzalez also addressed the issue, recalling a similar airspace closure in neighboring Hudspeth County in 2025. He assured the community that federal authorities confirmed there was no security threat during discussions about the recent disruption.

Mayor Renard Johnson expressed strong disapproval of how the situation was handled. He pointed out that the FAA’s lack of communication put public safety at risk, leading to the diversion of medical flights and grounding all aviation operations, even emergency ones. He emphasized that El Paso, being a significant border city with critical infrastructure, deserves better coordination and respect.

These incidents reflect wider issues of airspace management and the challenges posed by drone technology. A recent report found that drone incidents have increased by over 200% in the last five years, raising concerns about safety and regulatory responses. Experts suggest that better coordination between military and civil aviation is essential to prevent such disruptions in the future.

In summary, the closure of El Paso’s airspace underlines the need for improved communication and strategic planning to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel, especially in areas with complex security dynamics.



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