Flights at El Paso International Airport in Texas were temporarily suspended on Wednesday, February 1, 2026, due to “special security reasons,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA subsequently lifted the restrictions, but the initial closure caused significant disruption.
Brief Airport Closure and Security Concerns
The FAA initially restricted flights within a ten-nautical-mile radius of the airport, from the surface up to 18,000 feet. This restriction did not extend to Mexican airspace but did include the neighboring city of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The airport announced all flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, were suspended from Tuesday evening through February 20th.
The FAA’s decision appeared to catch local officials by surprise. State Representative Vincent Pérez stated he was unaware of any precedent for a ten-day airspace closure without a major emergency. City Representative Chris Canales noted the lack of prior notification to local government, airport leaders, air traffic control, or local military leadership.
Drone Incursion and Resolution
The disruption was short-lived. According to the AP, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported on X that the FAA and Department of Defense “acted quickly to address a cartel drone incursion.” Duffy stated the threat was neutralized and there was no danger to commercial travel. Normal flight operations were expected to resume Wednesday morning.
El Paso is a major border city with a population approaching 700,000, and a significant hub for cross-border commerce with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Airlines including Southwest, United, American Airlines, and Delta operate at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the initial airspace closure?
The FAA cited “special security reasons” for the temporary restrictions, but did not provide further details initially. Later, officials indicated the closure was related to a drone incursion by cartels.
How long were flights suspended?
The airport initially announced flights would be suspended until the evening of February 20th. But, the FAA lifted the restrictions shortly after announcing the closure, and flights were expected to resume Wednesday morning.
Was the airspace closure in effect over Mexico?
No, the FAA stated the restriction did not include the airspace over Mexico, but it did include the neighboring city of Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
How might this incident influence future security protocols at airports along the U.S.-Mexico border?
