FAA Lifts Temporary El Paso Airspace Shutdown After Drone Security Incident
Flights in and out of El Paso, Texas, have resumed normal operations after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted an unexpected temporary airspace restriction tied to a security incident involving drones near the U.S.–Mexico border.
The FAA had briefly grounded all commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights late Tuesday night after reports that suspected cartel-linked drones entered restricted U.S. airspace. Federal officials said the restriction was issued out of an abundance of caution while military authorities addressed the situation.
According to officials familiar with the matter, U.S. defense personnel acted quickly to disable the drones. After assessing the situation, authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to civilian aviation, prompting the FAA to lift the restriction earlier than initially planned.
The sudden shutdown — originally scheduled to remain in place for up to 10 days — caused widespread concern in the El Paso community, temporarily halting emergency medical flights and other aviation services.
Local leaders criticized the lack of advance coordination. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said the unexpected closure created unnecessary alarm, noting that local officials received little prior notice. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson echoed those concerns, emphasizing that airspace decisions affecting a major border city should involve communication with hospitals, emergency responders, and airport authorities.
Officials stressed that public safety remains the top priority and confirmed that normal flight activity has resumed. Travelers were advised to check with airlines for updated schedules as operations stabilize.
The incident highlights growing security challenges involving unmanned aircraft near sensitive border regions and underscores the need for improved coordination between federal aviation authorities, defense agencies, and local governments.
