FAA lifts El Paso, Santa Teresa flight restrictions, cartel drones reportedly breached US airspace
Update on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
As of the evening of Feb. 12, the FAA lifted the flight restriction in place for the Santa Teresa airspace. It did not send out a notice.
Credit: FAA
Credit: FAA
Update at 7:15 a.m.
CNN is reporting Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace, which triggered a temporary airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, that has now been lifted.
"The Department of War took action to disable the drones,” the official said. "The FAA and DOW have determined there is no threat to commercial travel,” they added, referring to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The airspace closure was prompted by a US military operation related to drug cartels, according to two sources briefed on the matter.
The nature of that military action was not immediately clear though the Trump administration has long said it intends to target drug cartels operating in Mexico and beyond.
Update at 7:10 a.m.
CNN is reporting that to a source briefed by the FAA, the military activity near El Paso involves unmanned aircraft operations and testing of laser countermeasure systems. The source said the issue is that those operations are occurring in airspace immediately adjacent to civilian flight paths serving El Paso International Airport.
Update at 7 a.m.
The FAA is just posted on social media:
"The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal."
Update at 6:10 a.m.
CNN is reporting a source familiar with the El Paso, Texas flight restrictions, who was briefed by the Federal Aviation Administration, tells CNN the sweeping flight ban was driven by military operations from nearby Biggs Army Air Field, located on Fort Bliss. Drones as well as helicopters and other aircraft operate from the facility.
The source said the FAA acted after the Department of War could not assure the safety of civilian aircraft in the area.
El Paso International Airport typically handles about 100 flights a day—roughly 1,000 flights over the 10-day shutdown.
Update at 6:40 a.m.
Rep. Veronica Escobar, (D) Texas, released the following statement:
“The highly consequential decision by the FAA to shut down the El Paso Airport for 10 days is unprecedented and resulted in significant concern in the community. From what my office and I have been able to gather overnight and early this morning, there is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas. There was no advance notice provided to my office, the City of El Paso, or anyone involved in airport operations. We have urged the FAA to immediately lift the Temporary Flight Restrictions placed on the El Paso area. I will continue to make information public as I learn it."
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- All flights to and from El Paso are grounded, according to the El Paso International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA appears to have issued to advisory for security reasons.
The flight restrictions will end Feb. 20 at 11:30 p.m., the airport posted on Instagram. It applies to "commercial, cargo and general aviation."
The FAA also posted a flight advisory for Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
A statement from the City of El Paso said "commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction." It said travelers should contact their airlines for more information.
The airport says airlines have been advised of the restrictions, and travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines on the latest flight information.
The airspace has been defined as "national defense airspace," according to the FAA. Pilots who violate these restrictions could be intercepted or detained for questioning by law enforcement.
Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in the FAA imposing a civil penalty or revoking the pilot’s license. The federal government can also pursue criminal charges or even use "deadly force" against an aircraft if it poses an imminent security threat, according to the notice.
El Paso is home to one of the largest cargo facilities near the border, so these restrictions could have a significant impact on shipments as well. ABC News has also contacted air cargo carriers for any information.
This is a developing story. ABC-7 will continue to bring updates on air and online.
