Daijiworld Media Network – EI Paso
El Paso, Feb 12: The temporary grounding of flights at El Paso International Airport early Wednesday was linked to US military testing of counter-drone technology near Fort Bliss, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a “Temporary Flight Restriction” (TFR), halting all flights from February 11 to February 21, citing “special security reasons.” However, the restriction was abruptly lifted without detailed explanation.
Three sources said the military was testing high-energy laser systems designed to neutralise drones, particularly those that could be used by drug cartels to cross into US airspace from Mexico. The proximity of the testing site to the airport reportedly raised concerns within the FAA.
A Trump administration official earlier told NBC News that Mexican cartel drones had breached US airspace and were disabled by the Defense Department. However, there has been no confirmation from the Pentagon that any drones were shot down. Two sources indicated that the military had recently shot down a small party balloon.
Sources also pointed to a possible miscommunication or disagreement between the FAA and the Defense Department regarding whether the testing could impact commercial aviation. The FAA is said to have imposed the restriction until it could determine whether the exercises posed a risk to civilian flights.
A fourth source said some lawmakers were informed that the grounding stemmed from a counter-drone exercise that had not been properly coordinated with the FAA.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson criticised the decision, calling the temporary restriction unnecessary and disruptive.
“This unnecessary decision has caused chaos and confusion in the El Paso community,” Johnson said at a press conference. “You cannot restrict airspace over a major city without coordinating with the city, the airport, the hospitals, the community leadership. That failure to communicate is unacceptable.”
He added that medical evacuation flights had to be diverted to Las Cruces, approximately 45 miles away, and that all aviation operations, including emergency flights, were halted.
“This was a major and unnecessary disruption, one that has not occurred since 9/11,” he said.
The FAA notice classified the affected airspace over El Paso and neighbouring Santa Teresa, New Mexico, as national defense airspace. It warned that deadly force could be used against aircraft deemed to pose an imminent security threat. Pilots violating the order could face interception, detention and questioning by law enforcement and security personnel.
El Paso International Airport, which handled 3.49 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, confirmed the 10-day grounding in a social media advisory. The airport serves major airlines including Southwest, Delta, United and American.
The sudden move also appeared to catch airport staff off guard. Audio from LiveATC.net captured an air traffic controller informing a Southwest Airlines flight that a TFR was about to take effect.
“Just be advised, I guess there’s a TFR going into effect,” the controller said. “Just pass it on to Southwest and everybody else at 0630 for the next 10 days we’re stopped. All ground stop.”
When asked for confirmation, the controller replied, “Apparently. We just got informed about 30 minutes to an hour ago.”
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government had seen no evidence of drone activity along the border.
“If the FAA or any US government agency has relevant information, they can ask the government of Mexico directly,” she said. “There’s no place for speculation.”
The incident has raised fresh questions about coordination between US defence authorities and aviation regulators, particularly in sensitive border regions.