El Paso Flights Resume After Anti-Drone Shutdown

Flights in and out of El Paso International Airport resumed Wednesday after a sudden airspace shutdown linked to a U.S. military anti-drone system halted operations for more than seven hours. The unexpected disruption grounded commercial flights, delayed departures and arrivals, and created confusion for passengers traveling through the busy Texas border hub.

The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily suspended air traffic in the El Paso area following concerns related to a classified counter-drone system operated by the U.S. military. According to officials, the system’s activation raised potential interference issues with civilian aircraft operations, prompting authorities to restrict flights as a precautionary safety measure.

The interruption affected both inbound and outbound routes, with several flights diverted to nearby airports and others delayed on the tarmac. Airlines worked to reaccommodate passengers as operations gradually returned to normal later in the day. Airport officials confirmed that no safety incidents occurred during the shutdown and emphasized that the measure was taken out of an abundance of caution.

El Paso, located along the U.S.-Mexico border, hosts significant military installations, including Fort Bliss, one of the largest Army posts in the country. The presence of advanced defense technology in the region has heightened coordination requirements between military and civilian aviation authorities. However, reports indicate that internal disagreements among federal agencies over the deployment and management of the anti-drone technology contributed to the prolonged closure.

The Trump administration’s decision to temporarily ban air traffic underscores the growing challenges posed by drone threats and the increasing use of counter-unmanned aircraft systems across sensitive areas. While such systems are designed to protect critical infrastructure and national security assets, they can also create unintended operational complications for commercial aviation if not carefully integrated with civilian airspace management.

By late Wednesday, normal flight schedules had resumed at El Paso International Airport, though some residual delays were expected as airlines repositioned aircraft and crews. Travelers were advised to check with their carriers for updated departure times.

The incident highlights the delicate balance between national security measures and maintaining efficient commercial air travel, particularly in regions where military and civilian aviation operations intersect closely.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com