The FAA briefly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport (KELP) early Wednesday morning. [Credit: El Paso International Airport]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA abruptly lifted an unannounced temporary flight restriction (TFR) over El Paso, Texas, which had significantly disrupted all air travel, including commercial and medical flights.
Conflicting explanations for the TFR emerged, with the U.S. Transportation Secretary attributing it to a "cartel drone incursion," while other reports cited U.S. military counter-drone testing, and local and Mexican officials disputed the incursion claim.
Local governments and airport leadership expressed strong frustration and surprise over the complete lack of communication from the FAA regarding the TFR, which caused an estimated $40-50 million in losses and diverted critical services.
Last updated Wednesday, February 11 at 12:15 p.m. EST.
The FAA on Wednesday morning abruptly lifted a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for airspace in El Paso, Texas, which officials said came as a surprise to local governments, airport leadership, and air traffic controllers (ATCs), including those at the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
