El Paso Airport Closed After Security Threat: FAA Grounds All Flights Over Drone Breach

🛑 What Happened at El Paso Airport?

On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an order to close airspace and ground all flights in and out of El Paso International Airport, Texas — including commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights. The closure was initially expected to last 10 days, from Feb. 10 to Feb. 20 or Feb. 21, depending on official notices.

✈️ Flights Grounded:
All flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at the airport were ordered to stop immediately. This meant no passenger flights, cargo flights, private planes, or general aviation aircraft could operate within the restricted airspace.

🧠 Why Did the FAA Close the Airport?

The FAA said the decision was made for “special security reasons.” Official notices did not immediately detail the specific security threat, but subsequent reports indicate the closure was tied to foreign-operated drones reportedly breaching U.S. airspace near El Paso.

Here are the key elements:

🔹 1. Security Threat — Drones

According to multiple credible reports, Mexican cartel-operated drones entered U.S. airspace near El Paso — a city that lies directly on the U.S.–Mexico border. This breach appears to have triggered the FAA’s temporary closure order to protect civilian air travel.

🔹 2. National Defense Airspace

The FAA classified the restricted zone as “National Defense Airspace,” meaning flights were not permitted unless authorized. Notices said that any aircraft violating the restriction could face interception, detention, or even the use of force if deemed an imminent threat.

🔹 3. Military Involvement

Sources familiar with the situation told news outlets that U.S. military operations from nearby Fort Bliss (Biggs Army Airfield) were connected to the incident, especially involving drones and other unmanned aircraft. The Department of Defense reportedly worked with FAA to neutralize the threat.

🕐 How Long Was the Airport Closed?

The restriction was originally supposed to last 10 days — until around Feb. 20 or Feb. 21, based on notices to pilots (NOTAMs) issued by the FAA.

However:

✅ The FAA lifted the closure just hours after the restriction was announced — meaning the airport reopened sooner than planned once the threat was addressed and officials determined it no longer posed a risk.

🛫 Which Flights Were Affected?

The airport closure affected:

✔️ Commercial passenger flights (e.g., Southwest, United, American, Delta)
✔️ Cargo flights
✔️ Private and general aviation
✔️ Medevac and special flights under the restriction zone

Travelers were advised to contact their airlines for updates and rebooking options.

📍 Where Is El Paso Airport & Why It Matters

➤ Location: El Paso International Airport is in El Paso, Texas, right on the border with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico — an area with significant cross-border traffic and strategic importance.

➤ Passenger Volume: Before the closure, the airport serviced millions of passengers annually, with major U.S. carriers operating frequent flights.

Because of its border location and proximity to military facilities, the region is considered strategically sensitive — meaning national defense and security concerns can directly affect flight operations.

🧩 Official Statements & Reactions

📌 FAA: The agency called the move for “special security reasons” and later confirmed no continuing threat after lifting the closure.

📌 Local Officials: Politicians and local authorities said they received no advanced warning of the closure and criticized the short notice given to the community.

📌 Airlines: Major airlines paused flights as instructed by the FAA and urged passengers to stay updated through official channels.

🧠 Summary: Simple Breakdown

Question	Answer
Why was El Paso Airport closed?	FAA cited “special security reasons,” later linked to cartel-related drones in U.S. airspace.
How long was it supposed to last?	Initially 10 days (Feb 10–20/21).
Was it extended?	No — it was lifted early once officials declared no ongoing threat.
What flights were affected?	All flights (commercial, cargo, general aviation).
Why is this significant?	El Paso Airport is a major regional hub near the Mexico border.