Federal officials halted El Paso airspace closure operations late February 10 at about 11:30pm local time, stopping all arrivals and departures at El Paso International Airport for what authorities described as special security reasons. The restriction initially carried a 10-day timeframe but lasted only a few hours before flights resumed Wednesday morning.
The order covered roughly 16km around the airport, including Santa Teresa and applied to aircraft below 18,000 feet. Flights above that altitude were not expected to be affected. In total, seven arrivals and seven departures were canceled and several medical evacuation flights were rerouted.
An official statement said the shutdown followed action by the Defense Department to halt an incursion involving Mexican cartel drones and that the threat had been neutralized. However, officials familiar with the matter said concerns centered on a military counter-drone laser system deployed near Fort Bliss without final aviation approval.
The direct-energy weapon, identified as LOCUST and manufactured by AeroVironment, prompted aviation authorities to close the airspace to protect commercial traffic. Restrictions were lifted after the Army agreed to conduct additional safety tests.
Several federal and local officials said coordination gaps led to confusion. Lawmakers called for briefings and city leaders stated they were not notified before the sudden El Paso airspace closure and reversal. Mexico’s president denied claims that Mexican drones entered U.S. airspace.
