Why anti-drone weapons pose a growing risk to civilian airspace safety.

The recent closure of El Paso International Airport (ELP) has raised serious questions about aviation safety. For nearly eight hours, flights were stopped or diverted. This happened because of potential interference from military drone defenses.

Experts warn that weapons made for war zones do not mix well with busy civilian skies. The FAA and the U.S. military are now looking for ways to protect bases without grounding airliners.

The El Paso Incident

On Tuesday night, February 10, 2026, authorities shut down all flights at El Paso. The airport sits next to Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss. Reports suggest that military anti-drone systems may have caused the shutdown.

The closure lasted from 11:30 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. During this time, several commercial flights had to land at other airports. This caused major delays for passengers and airlines.

Risks of Anti-Drone Technology

Anti-drone tools, often called Counter-UAS (C-UAS), use different methods to stop threats. However, these methods can be dangerous for Boeing or Airbus aircraft.

• Laser Weapons: High-energy lasers can travel long distances. If a laser misses a drone, it could strike a cockpit miles away. This can blind pilots or damage sensors.
• Radio Jammers: These devices block signals between a drone and its pilot. They can also block GPS navigation. If a jammer interferes with an airliner, the pilots could lose vital flight data.

According to industry experts at the Center for a New American Security, even "benign" defenses are risky. Radio interference is a top concern for the ICAO and other global regulators.

A Complex Regulatory Challenge

The problem is getting worse as drones become more common. The military must protect domestic bases from spying or attacks. Yet, the law limits how they can use electronic warfare in the U.S.

Solving this requires multiple agencies to work together. The Department of Defense and the FAA must create clear rules. They need to ensure that drone defenses do not accidentally crash a passenger plane.

Industry Impact

For airlines, these disruptions are costly. Diverting a flight uses extra fuel and upsets schedules. If more airports near military bases face these issues, the industry could see higher ticket prices.

Safety remains the top priority. Aviation leaders are calling for better communication between military commanders and air traffic control. Without a clear plan, the race to stop drones could make the skies less safe for everyone.

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