El Paso airspace closure triggers cancellations and long delays before FAA lifts order

A temporary FAA flight restriction around El Paso led to at least 14 cancellations, significant delays, and cargo diversions before being lifted within 11 hours. Airlines impacted included Southwest, American, Delta, and United. Medevac flights and shipments were diverted, with some cargo rerouted to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Officials later said flights could resume immediately. Federal explanations referenced a potential drone incursion, while other reports pointed to a coordination issue related to a planned laser test near Fort Bliss.

A temporary flight restriction imposed by the FAA late on 10 February 2026 closed airspace within a 10-mile radius of El Paso, covering parts of southern New Mexico and halting commercial, cargo, general aviation, and medical flights. The order designated the area as national defense airspace and initially stated the closure would last through 20 February. The FAA lifted the restriction in less than 11 hours, stating there was no continuing threat and that flights could resume immediately.

The disruption led to confirmed operational impacts. Airlines including Southwest, American, Delta, and United experienced at least 14 cancellations, while delays averaged more than three hours. Cargo flights were diverted to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and medical evacuation flights were rerouted, with critical surgical equipment shipments—at least one originating from Dallas—failing to reach El Paso during the closure. A travel waiver was issued for affected passengers.

Local officials said the closure was implemented without prior notice to city leadership, public safety agencies, the airport, or air traffic controllers, resulting in confusion and operational challenges. After the restriction was rescinded, federal officials cited concerns over a cartel drone incursion as the trigger for the action. Other reports, however, pointed to a breakdown in coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon related to a planned high-energy laser test near Fort Bliss.

By the time the order was lifted, airline and cargo operations had already been significantly disrupted, with cancellations, lengthy delays, and diversions impacting the El Paso area and nearby Las Cruces. Passengers affected by the cancellations and delays were advised that flights had restarted the same day following the FAA’s update.

Key facts for travelers:
- Start of disruption: late 10 February 2026
- Duration: under 11 hours
- Impact: at least 14 cancellations, average delays over three hours, diversions to Las Cruces, and rerouted medevac flights
- Affected airlines mentioned: Southwest, American, Delta, United

Operations resumed following the FAA’s confirmation that there was no ongoing risk to aviation.