EL PASO, Texas, February 11, 2026 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted a sweeping, 10-day grounding of all flights to and from El Paso, Texas, just hours after it was imposed. The unprecedented restriction was confirmed to be a direct response to Mexican cartel drones breaching U.S. airspace, prompting urgent military action and sparking a political firestorm over a complete lack of communication with local officials.
The temporary flight restriction, which grounded all commercial, cargo, and general aviation from 11:30 p.m. Monday until February 20, was lifted on Wednesday. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the cause, stating the FAA and the Department of War (DOW) acted swiftly to address a "cartel drone incursion."
According to CNN, an administration official confirmed that Mexican cartel drones had entered U.S. airspace, triggering the military response. Two sources briefed on the matter told CNN the airspace closure was prompted by a U.S. military operation against drug cartels. A source familiar with the restrictions added that the sweeping ban was driven by operations from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss, and the FAA acted after the DOW could not assure the safety of civilian aircraft in the area.
An official stated, "The Department of War took action to disable the drones. The FAA and DOW have determined there is no threat to commercial travel."
'This Never Should Have Happened': Local Leaders Erupt Over Communication Failure
Despite the swift resolution, the incident has left local leaders furious, not over the security threat, but over the complete absence of advance notice or coordination.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson issued a sharp rebuke, stating: "You cannot restrict airspace over a major city without coordinating with the city, the airport, hospitals, and community leadership. That failure to communicate is unacceptable."
Mayor Johnson highlighted the real-world consequences: Medical evacuation flights were forced to divert to Las Cruces, and all aviation, including emergency flights and drones, was grounded. "That is not a minor disruption. That is a public safety issue," he said.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar echoed the outrage, calling the 10-day shutdown "unprecedented" and noting that no advance notice was provided to her office, the City of El Paso, or airport operators. She had urgently pressed the FAA to lift the restrictions immediately.
Timeline of Events
- Feb. 10, 11:30 p.m. MST: FAA issues temporary flight restriction for El Paso and Santa Teresa, NM, effective for 10 days, due to security reasons.
- Feb. 11: Officials confirm the cause was a cartel drone breach and a U.S. military operation.
- Feb. 11: Following urgent pushback from local leaders, the FAA lifts the restriction; flights resume normally.
Looking Ahead
While normal flight operations have resumed, the political fallout is just beginning. Mayor Johnson vowed to follow up with the FAA to ensure "this does not happen again," demanding transparency, accountability, and a seat at the table for El Paso in future decisions. The incident marks a significant escalation in cross-border security challenges, highlighting the tangible reach of cartel-operated drones into U.S. sovereign airspace.
.png)
.png)
