The airspace around El Paso International Airport was abruptly closed late Tuesday night, February 10, 2026, for a few hours before reopening, according to NPR News. The closure, initially announced for ten days, was attributed to the Pentagon's authorization to use a laser to shoot down what it believed to be a Mexican drone, as reported by NPR News. The incident sparked questions and confusion, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind the sudden shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the airspace, causing a temporary disruption for travelers. Images from the scene showed people waiting in lines at check-in counters at the airport, as captured by the Associated Press. The exact nature of the drone and the threat it posed were not immediately clear.
The incident occurred amidst other pressing issues, including a potential government shutdown. As reported by Time, lawmakers were warning that a funding deadline could lead to airport delays. The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminded the public that a protracted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown would mean most TSA officers would remain on the job, unpaid, protecting over 430 commercial airports nationwide. "A lack of funding and predictability of resourcing will pose significant challenges to our ability to deliver transportation security with the level of excellence we expect and Americans deserve," said Ha Nguyen McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, according to Time.
The situation in El Paso highlighted the complexities of airspace security and the potential for unexpected disruptions. According to Vox, the reason for the closure remained somewhat mysterious, even after the airport reopened. The incident underscored the importance of clear communication and coordination between government agencies, especially during times of heightened security concerns.
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