Sources say airspace closed after drone test dispute and balloon incident

U.S. military forces at Fort Bliss successfully disabled Mexican cartel drones that entered U.S. airspace near El Paso this week. Anti-UAS technology neutralized at least one cartel drone. Mexican cartels regularly and actively fly drones along the border.

Earlier in the week, anti-drone operations near the southern border engaged objects initially believed to be foreign drones. A high-energy laser destroyed one target that was later identified as a harmless party balloon.

These events heightened concerns about military operations near civilian air routes. FAA Administrator Bedford responded by imposing a 10-day airspace closure over El Paso International Airport. The restriction prohibited all flights below 18,000 feet and warned that violators could be shot down. Bedford issued the order without prior consultation with the White House, Pentagon, or Homeland Security.

The Pentagon had been planning counter-drone tests near Fort Bliss, claiming compliance with U.S. Code 130i requirements. Although safety impact meetings were scheduled, Pentagon officials pressed for immediate testing. Coordination between the Pentagon and Department of Transportation had occurred for months, with assurances given that commercial aviation faced no threat.

Airlines interpreted the closure as a precautionary measure due to unpredictable military drone activity and insufficient information sharing with the FAA. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles’ office reviewed the situation Wednesday morning. Within minutes, the FAA lifted the restrictions.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, "The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming."