The Federal Aviation Administration reopened the airspace over El Paso, Texas, Wednesday after abruptly closing it earlier in the morning.
Why it matters: The closure would have prevented any flights in and out of the local airport for 10 days, creating massive travel disruptions.
Driving the news: Several hours after issuing the restrictions for "special security reasons," the FAA announced via an X post Wednesday that the temporary closure had been lifted.
- "There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal," the post read.
- Sources familiar with the decision told Axios the closure was ordered after the FAA grew concerned that military activity near the border could threaten civilian flights. An administration official told Axios that the Pentagon had been responding to drone activity linked to Mexican cartels.
- The Mexican embassy did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: The FAA established the temporary flight restriction, or TFR, at 6:30 UTC, or 11:30pm Tuesday in El Paso.
- It was scheduled to last until Feb. 21 at the same time (6:30 UTC).
- The FAA's website still lists a TFR over nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The agency did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment Wednesday morning.
- A Southwest spokesperson told Axios it is resuming operations to and from El Paso International Airport while encouraging customers to confirm the status of their flights.
Threat level: The highly unusual closure came with limited explanation from federal authorities and no additional details provided to local and state officials, prompting confusion and speculation.
- "The highly consequential decision by FAA to shut down the El Paso Airport for 10 days is unprecedented and has resulted in significant concern within the community," Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat who represents El Paso, said on X ahead of the reopening.
- She said her office was given no advance notice, nor were the City of El Paso "or anyone involved in airport operations."
- The El Paso International Airport saw nearly 3.5 million passengers between January and November of last year.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional developments and context. Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick contributed reporting.
