The FAA briefly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport (KELP) early Wednesday morning. [Credit: El Paso International Airport]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA abruptly imposed and then lifted a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over El Paso, Texas, causing widespread surprise and significant disruption to local officials, airport operations, and airlines.
Conflicting explanations for the TFR emerged, with reports citing military counter-drone testing, while the U.S. Transportation Secretary claimed a "cartel drone incursion," an explanation disputed by local and Mexican officials.
Local leaders, including the El Paso Mayor and Representative, severely criticized the FAA for its lack of communication, highlighting negative impacts such as diverted medical flights, delayed equipment, and substantial economic disruption, calling the situation "unacceptable" and "unprecedented."
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.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
