Frank Rondel
The Federal Aviation Administration has reopened the airspace over El Paso, Texas, allowing flights to resume normally after a temporary grounding that began Tuesday night, reports customreceipt.com, citing Kfoxtv. The closure followed the detection of drones operated by Mexican cartels entering U.S. airspace, which prompted immediate action from U.S. military forces to neutralize the potential threat, according to administration officials and military sources.
The temporary flight restrictions initially imposed by the FAA halted all commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations to and from El Paso International Airport, as well as the nearby community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The restrictions were first announced to be effective from February 10 at 11:30 p.m. MST through February 20 at 11:30 p.m. MST but were lifted after the Department of War confirmed that there was no ongoing risk to civilian aircraft.
An FAA official explained that the decision to lift the airspace closure followed coordinated military operations targeting cartel drones, with additional monitoring from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss. “The Department of War took action to disable the drones,” the official stated. “The FAA and Department of War have determined there is no threat to commercial travel.”
El Paso International Airport released a statement highlighting the abrupt nature of the FAA’s temporary restriction and its effect on travel. Airport representatives emphasized that the prohibition applied to all types of flights and that airline operators were promptly notified. Travelers were encouraged to contact airlines directly for updates on flight status.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar addressed the situation, noting the unprecedented nature of a ten-day airspace shutdown. She said her office had not received advance notice and confirmed that no immediate threat to El Paso or surrounding areas had been identified. “We have urged the FAA to immediately lift the Temporary Flight Restrictions placed on the El Paso area. I will continue to make information public as I learn it,” Escobar stated.
A source familiar with the restrictions confirmed that the FAA’s sweeping action stemmed from military operations conducted at Biggs Army Airfield, where drones, helicopters, and other aircraft were deployed to monitor and respond to the incursion. Officials stated that civilian flight safety could not be guaranteed until these operations concluded, prompting the temporary ban.
Passengers affected by the closure were advised to reach out to their airlines to obtain current information regarding flight schedules and potential delays.
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