UPDATE: The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal – FAA
U.S. administration official says Mexican cartel drones breached U.S. airspace; Pentagon took action to disable the drones
The restriction, issued under FDC 6/2233, classifies the affected area as “National Defense Airspace” and prohibits all aircraft operations within a 10-nautical-mile radius of El Paso International Airport (ELP), from the surface up to 17,999 feet MSL.
The TFR is in effect from February 10 at 11:30 PM MST through February 20 at 11:30 PM MST.
The flight shutdown in El Paso is reportedly tied to U.S. military counter-drone technologies targeting Mexican cartels, according to AP. Reuters is corroborating the story.
All Flights Halted
The closure applies to: commercial flights, cargo operations, general aviation, and medical evacuation flights
A spokesperson for University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) confirmed to Faytuks Network that medical evacuation flights are currently not permitted due to the strict NOTAM in effect.
CNN is corroborating our story.
- The FAA warning states that aircraft violating the restriction may be:
- Intercepted
- Detained
- Subject to civil penalties
- Subject to criminal prosecution
- Potentially engaged with deadly force if deemed an imminent security threat
Mexican airspace is excluded from the restriction.
No Advance Warning to Local Leadership
Multiple officials tell Faytuks Network they received no prior notice before the closure was implemented.
El Paso City Councilmember Chris Canales stated publicly that:
- The NOTAM was intentional and not an error
- No civilian or military leadership locally received advance notice
- The military does not have a blanket exemption
A person stationed at Fort Bliss also told Faytuks Network they were not notified ahead of the issuance of the NOTAM.
A member of Congress confirmed they were not informed in advance, telling Faytuks Network directly:
“Just woke up, we were not told.”
Texas State Senator César Blanco said his office is aware of the FAA’s temporary suspension of flights for national security reasons and is working with relevant agencies to better understand the situation.
Local government officials have similarly stated they were not warned ahead of the FAA’s decision.
Separate Security NOTAM for Santa Teresa, New Mexico
The FAA has also issued a separate security NOTAM covering Santa Teresa, New Mexico, for the same time window and altitude limits.
The Santa Teresa notice cites “special security reasons” and similarly bans all flight operations in the affected area.