El Paso airspace closure linked to cartel drones, officials confirm

The FAA lifted the temporary closure of El Paso’s airspace, which was initially imposed for 10 days due to a “cartel drone incursion” that breached U.S. airspace. Officials stated that the Department of Defense acted to disable the drones and confirmed there was no ongoing threat to commercial aviation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that normal flights would resume and there was no danger to travelers. Local officials, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, criticized the FAA for lack of communication and consultation regarding the abrupt decision.

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