The FAA has reopened airspace around El Paso, Texas, reversing its earlier decision to impose a 10-day shutdown. According to Bloomberg, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Defense Department and FAA “acted swiftly” in response to “a cartel drone incursion,” adding, “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.” The brief closure had halted flights at El Paso International Airport before normal operations resumed.
In an unexpected and highly unusual move, the Federal Aviation Administration has stopped all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas for a period of 10 days. The restriction is in effect from February 10 at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time through February 20 at 11:30 p.m. This temporary grounding applies to commercial, cargo and general aviation flights and also includes nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
The FAA announced the order suddenly and without prior public explanation, citing “special security reasons.” This description has left travelers and aviation experts puzzled. According to the official notice, the airspace over El Paso and parts of southern New Mexico has been classified as national defense airspace. Any pilot entering the area without authorization could face interception or enforcement actions.