Flights resumed Wednesday at El Paso International Airport in Texas after a brief closure triggered by the incursion of drones originating from Mexican drug cartels. The incident highlights the increasing challenges posed by non-state actors utilizing aerial technology near international borders.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on social media that authorities “reacted quickly to address an incursion” of unmanned aerial vehicles. “The threat was neutralized and there is no danger to traffic in the region,” Duffy stated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pentagon collaborated to address the situation.
The FAA initially announced a ten-day closure of the airspace over El Paso and the nearby town of Santa Teresa, Latest Mexico, citing “reasons of security.” However, the restriction was lifted within hours, and normal flight operations were restored. According to the FAA, no pilot was authorized to fly in the restricted zones during the closure.
The incident comes as the United States and Mexico continue to collaborate on counter-narcotics efforts. President Donald Trump has previously warned that he does not rule out military action south of the border, stating recently to Fox News, “The cartels are running Mexico. It’s extremely, very sad to see and contemplate what has happened in that country.”
The Pentagon launched a major operation against narcolanchas (drug-running boats) in the Caribbean and Pacific regions in September, reportedly resulting in over one hundred casualties. Mexico has also been increasing cooperation, delivering dozens of alleged cartel leaders and members to U.S. Authorities and reporting increased seizures of fentanyl, a major contributor to the opioid crisis in the United States.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated Wednesday that she had “no information” regarding the use of drones near the border and announced an investigation into the airspace closure over El Paso. The disruption affected all airlines operating flights to and from the city, which borders Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
The airport served 3.49 million passengers during the first eleven months of 2025.
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