FAA lifts El Paso International Airport flight ban after major drone scare

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 11, 2026 at 07:05 PM UTC, 3 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

FAA lifts El Paso International Airport flight ban after major drone scare

The FAA lifted flight bans at El Paso International Airport after a drone scare; the unprecedented move halted all traffic for several hours on Wednesday.

Key Takeaways

  • FAA lifted emergency flight restrictions at El Paso International Airport after a drone scare.
  • The total flight ban at a single airport is considered unprecedented in modern aviation history.
  • Unauthorized drone activity caused significant delays and diversions for multiple commercial airlines.
  • Federal and local law enforcement are currently investigating to identify the drone operator.

The FAA lifted the flight ban. El Paso International Airport is open. A drone scare caused the closure.

This happened on a busy Wednesday. Officials called the move very rare. It halted all local air traffic.

No flights could land or depart. The FAA took quick safety action. Security teams searched the airport area.

They looked for the drone pilot. Unauthorized drones pose a major risk. They can hit large commercial planes.

This causes very dangerous engine failures. The airport resumed normal flight schedules. Passengers should check their flight status.

Airlines work to clear the delays. Safety remains the top industry priority. The drone appeared near the terminal.

It hovered over the main runway. Security teams used advanced tracking tools. They monitored the drone's flight path.

The device was a high-end model. It stayed in the air long. This caused a major traffic backup.

Dozens of flights stayed on tarmac. Passengers waited inside the crowded planes. The heat in Texas added stress.

Ground crews provided water to travelers. Local police joined the federal search. They scanned parks near the airport.

Security Response and Impact

The drone eventually left the area. Officials confirmed the sky was clear. The FAA then issued the restart.

Pilots prepared for a busy evening. The tower managed a long queue. Safety experts will review the data.

They want better drone detection systems. Many airports now test new tech. These systems can jam drone signals.

Others use nets to catch them. El Paso International Airport may upgrade security. This incident shows a clear vulnerability.

The industry must find a solution. Drone technology is evolving very fast. Regulation must keep up with change.

Industry Regulations and Safety

The FAA works with tech firms. They aim to protect the skies. Public safety is the main goal.

Future flights depend on secure zones. Pilots reported the drone near runways. The FAA issued an emergency order.

All civil flights stopped for hours. The move shocked many aviation experts. It was a very rare decision.

Only 9/11 saw such a ban. That ban was for the nation. This ban was for one airport.

The drone was a serious threat. Air traffic control cleared the skies. Planes diverted to nearby landing spots.

Passenger Information

The airport terminal became very full. Staff helped people with their bags. The drone pilot remains at large.

Police are checking all local video. They want to find the culprit. Flying drones near airports is illegal.

It carries very high legal risks. The IATA warns all drone users. Stay away from all active airports.

This keeps the flying public safe. Airlines are now flying again today. Check your mobile app for news.

The situation is now fully stable. We will follow this story closely. Safety is the highest priority for ICAO.

For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights. Discover how innovation is shaping aviation through aircraft systems, avionics, and digital tools at flying.flights/technology.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

Visit Profile

You Might Also Like

Discover more aviation news based on similar topics

FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the replacement of certain Safran PBEs due to a manufacturing flaw that can block oxygen flow.

GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana

Guyana's GCAA has suspended two air traffic controllers after a United and Turpial Airlines flight came within five miles, half the required separation.

American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight

Colombian authorities are investigating an American Airlines 737 MAX after bullet holes were found post-flight in Miami, likely from its landing in Medellín.

Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:26 PM UTC4 min read

Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January

Air India recorded a fourfold rise in technical incidents to 1.09 per 1,000 flights in January, prompting intensified regulatory scrutiny and new inspections.

AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 07:10 AM UTC4 min read

AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud

AOG Technics founder Jose Yrala was jailed for selling 60,000 fake jet-engine parts, causing nearly £40 million in damages to the global airline industry.

Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes
safety
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:19 AM UTC4 min read

Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes

Mexican authorities report Jalisco security has stabilized, allowing airlines to resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara after cartel violence.