FAA lifts El Paso flight restriction after US disables Mexican cartel drones that 'breached US airspace'
The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a flight restriction that had grounded all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas on Wednesday, after previously warning that the U.S. government "may use deadly force" against any aircraft in violation.
A Trump administration official told Fox News that the initial lockdown came in response to "Mexican cartel drones" that breached U.S. airspace. The FAA had announced Wednesday morning that all flights to and from El Paso were being grounded, including commercial, cargo and general aviation. The restriction was initially set to be effective from February 10 at 11:30 p.m. MST to February 20 at 11:30 p.m. MST.
"Mexican cartel drones breached US airspace. The Department of War took action to disable the drones. The FAA and DOW have determined there is no threat to commercial travel," the official told Fox News.
The FAA had cited "special security reasons" for the earlier closure, but did not elaborate.
The El Paso airport had issued a statement confirming the closure on Wednesday.
"Travelers should contact their airlines to get the most up-to-date flight status information," it said in a statement.
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Former FAA safety team member Kyle Bailey told Fox News on Wednesday that a 10-day restriction like the one initially announced would have been "unprecedented." He also noted the airport's proximity to the Fort Bliss Army post.
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"It's definitely something like a national security event, a high-level VIP," Bailey speculated, "but the interesting thing is that on the Mexican side of the border there is no flight restriction."
FOX Business' Bonny Chu contributed to this report.