El Paso Airport was briefly shut down over drone fears linked to Mexican cartels, highlighting rising border drone chaos.
On February 11, 2026, the FAA abruptly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days citing "special security reasons," grounding all flights within a 10-nautical-mile radius. Less than 10 hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, stating no threat to commercial aviation. The closure was linked to counter-drone operations against Mexican cartel drones near the border.
The FAA lifted a 10-day airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, citing no threat to commercial flights. The temporary restriction was linked to security concerns, possibly related to drone activity, but was abruptly ended without detailed explanation. Flights are now operating normally.
The FAA abruptly shut down El Paso International Airport for nearly eight hours, citing security concerns linked to drone activity. The move disrupted flights and stranded travelers, with officials uncertain about the exact cause. The restriction was lifted after safety assurances, but questions remain about the decision process.
U.S. officials shot down a drone over a party balloon, highlighting concerns over Mexican cartel drones used for smuggling and surveillance. Despite warnings, there are no confirmed attacks on U.S. soil. Authorities continue to monitor drone incursions, with tensions rising between the two nations over border security and sovereignty.
In February 2026, the FAA unexpectedly closed airspace over El Paso for 10 days, citing security concerns linked to drone activity. The closure was triggered by a military laser operation targeting what was believed to be a cartel drone, but was later identified as a party balloon. The incident caused widespread disruption and confusion.
Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.