FAA is in the news for safety scares, delays, and drone laser fights. It’s the US agency that regulates all civil aviation.
In recent days, three aircraft incidents have occurred involving mechanical faults or component failures. Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 943 experienced a mechanical fault but landed safely in Liberia, while British Airways flights from Las Vegas to London reported wheel separations. All flights landed safely with no injuries reported, prompting investigations into aircraft safety protocols.
Canada's plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US face political and trade tensions. The US threatens to decertify Canadian aircraft, including Bombardier jets, over certification delays and trade disputes, risking industry disruptions and diplomatic strain. The issue highlights broader US-Canada trade and security concerns.
This week saw several major accidents, including a truck crashing into a house in Oregon, a plane emergency in Georgia, and multiple fog-related pileups in California. No fatalities were reported, but injuries and property damage were significant. These incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns across different regions.
A Piper PA-28 aircraft crashed into a north Phoenix home on March 4, causing injuries to three people, including a resident. The plane suffered mechanical failure while returning to Deer Valley Airport, prompting an evacuation and hazmat response. The FAA is investigating the incident.
Recent incidents involving Boeing 787 fuel control switches highlight ongoing safety concerns for Air India. After a flight from Heathrow to Bangalore experienced issues, regulators demanded detailed responses. The airline's fleet of 33 Dreamliners remains under scrutiny following last year's deadly crash linked to similar fuel switch problems.
A law enforcement helicopter responding to a shooting incident in Flagstaff, Arizona, crashed on Wednesday night, killing both the pilot and a trooper-paramedic onboard. The suspect, wounded in the exchange of gunfire, was arrested. The crash is under investigation by FAA and NTSB, with no further injuries reported.
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.
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.
The FAA temporarily shut down El Paso airport after U.S. Customs deployed a laser to counter drones, without FAA coordination. The incident highlights growing drone threats from Mexican cartels and the challenges of inter-agency coordination amid expanded law enforcement powers.
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.
On February 26, 2026, the Pentagon used a high-energy laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, marking the second such incident in two weeks near the US-Mexico border. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expanded a temporary airspace closure around Fort Hancock, though commercial flights were unaffected. Lawmakers criticized poor inter-agency coordination and called for investigations.
A United Airlines Boeing 787-9 returning from Newark to LAX experienced engine issues, prompting an emergency return and evacuation. No injuries were reported, and the FAA is investigating the possible engine fire, with social media footage showing smoke and slides being used for evacuation.
The US military is conducting anti-drone laser tests at White Sands Missile Range to address FAA safety concerns following recent uncoordinated drone countermeasures near the US-Mexico border. Incidents in February prompted airspace closures and congressional calls for investigation. The tests aim to improve coordination and safety protocols.
Southwest Airlines will cease operations at Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles airports from June 4, as part of a network refinement. The airline will focus on other nearby airports, with no significant impact expected on overall flight availability in the regions. The move affects frontline employees, who can bid for positions elsewhere.
Multiple tornadoes and severe storms swept across northern Illinois and Indiana on March 11, causing fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage. Recent updates confirm ongoing rescue efforts and widespread damage, with at least two deaths and dozens injured. The storms also caused power outages and disrupted transportation across the region.
The ongoing war in the Middle East has caused a surge in oil and jet fuel prices, prompting airlines worldwide to raise fares. US carriers are integrating higher fuel costs into ticket prices, especially affecting long-haul flights, with some airlines already implementing increases due to geopolitical disruptions.
A partial government shutdown since February 14 has strained TSA staffing, causing increased security lines, flight cancellations, and delays at major U.S. airports. Severe weather and staffing issues have compounded travel disruptions, affecting thousands of travelers nationwide today, March 17, 2026.
The FAA has introduced new radar-based guidelines for managing helicopter and airplane traffic at over 150 busy airports, following recent near-misses and a deadly 2025 collision. The change aims to reduce reliance on visual separation, which proved insufficient in preventing accidents.
On Sunday night, an Air Canada regional jet landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport collided with a Port Authority fire truck responding to a separate incident. The crash killed both pilots and injured 41 others, including two fire truck occupants. LaGuardia remains closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday as investigations continue amid ongoing airport disruptions.
The FAA evacuated Newark Liberty's control tower after a burning smell from an elevator. The disruption lasted less than an hour with no injuries. This follows a recent chemical odor incident at multiple airports and a fatal crash at LaGuardia involving a collision with a fire truck.
A fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night involved an Air Canada jet colliding with a fire truck on the runway. Two pilots died, and dozens were injured. The incident followed staffing and communication issues in the control tower during a night shift with reduced controllers. The NTSB is investigating.
A crash at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck, resulted in two pilot deaths. Investigations focus on staffing, control tower procedures, and ground vehicle movements amid ongoing safety reviews.
The FAA has validated the safety of high-energy laser systems used by the Pentagon and Homeland Security along the U.S.-Mexico border. This follows tests in New Mexico and recent incidents that raised concerns. The agreement allows broader deployment to combat drone threats, with ongoing safety assessments in place.
A series of recent small plane crashes has resulted in fatalities and injuries across the US. A North Dakota lawmaker has died in a crash in Minnesota, while other incidents in Los Angeles and Florida have caused injuries and raised safety concerns. Investigations are ongoing.