Cartel Drone Incursion: Threat Neutralized, FAA Airspace Restrictions Lifted

TEXAS - A cartel drone threat was neutralized after an incursion into the United States. The FAA has lifted airspace restrictions that were in place.​​

​Initial Alert: The Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary flight restrictions over El Paso, Texas, and nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, effective from 0630 UTC on February 11, to 0630 UTC on February 21.​​

This action designates the areas as national defense airspace, prohibiting all aircraft operations within a 10 nautical mile radius centered near the El Paso VORTAC from the surface up to 17,999 feet mean sea level.​

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Air traffic communications indicate pilots received real-time notifications of the closures, underscoring the sudden enforcement.

The measures involve two notices to air missions. FDC 6/2233 applies to airspace over El Paso, establishing a temporary ban on all flight activities for national security purposes.

Non-compliant pilots risk interception, detention, and questioning by law enforcement or security personnel. The U.S. government reserves the right to use deadly force against aircraft deemed an imminent threat.

FDC 6/2234 imposes identical constraints over Santa Teresa, including the same effective period, altitude boundaries, and security designations. Both reference 14 CFR 99.7 for special security protocols and ban all aircraft within the specified zones.

El Paso International Airport, serving more than 3.5 million passengers each year, has ceased all operations, recommending passengers consult airlines for rescheduling.

Facilities in adjacent areas such as Las Cruces and Midland-Odessa continue unaffected. The shutdown influences a vital border region, possibly interrupting supply chains and urgent services. Installations like Fort Bliss noted no preliminary alerts, while airport officials pursue clarification from federal entities.