- Flight Disruptions
- El Paso airspace closure triggers cancellations and long delays before FAA lifts order
El Paso airspace closure triggers cancellations and long delays before FAA lifts order
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 13 February 2026
14
Affected flights
4
Affected airlines
14
Affected flights
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
A temporary FAA flight restriction around El Paso led to at least 14 cancellations, significant delays, and cargo diversions before being lifted within 11 hours. Airlines impacted included Southwest, American, Delta, and United. Medevac flights and shipments were diverted, with some cargo rerouted to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Officials later said flights could resume immediately. Federal explanations referenced a potential drone incursion, while other reports pointed to a coordination issue related to a planned laser test near Fort Bliss.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
A temporary flight restriction imposed by the FAA late on 10 February 2026 closed airspace within a 10-mile radius of El Paso, covering parts of southern New Mexico and halting commercial, cargo, general aviation, and medical flights. The order designated the area as national defense airspace and initially stated the closure would last through 20 February. The FAA lifted the restriction in less than 11 hours, stating there was no continuing threat and that flights could resume immediately.
The disruption led to confirmed operational impacts. Airlines including Southwest, American, Delta, and United experienced at least 14 cancellations, while delays averaged more than three hours. Cargo flights were diverted to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and medical evacuation flights were rerouted, with critical surgical equipment shipments—at least one originating from Dallas—failing to reach El Paso during the closure. A travel waiver was issued for affected passengers.
Local officials said the closure was implemented without prior notice to city leadership, public safety agencies, the airport, or air traffic controllers, resulting in confusion and operational challenges. After the restriction was rescinded, federal officials cited concerns over a cartel drone incursion as the trigger for the action. Other reports, however, pointed to a breakdown in coordination between the FAA and the Pentagon related to a planned high-energy laser test near Fort Bliss.
By the time the order was lifted, airline and cargo operations had already been significantly disrupted, with cancellations, lengthy delays, and diversions impacting the El Paso area and nearby Las Cruces. Passengers affected by the cancellations and delays were advised that flights had restarted the same day following the FAA’s update.
Key facts for travelers:
- Start of disruption: late 10 February 2026
- Duration: under 11 hours
- Impact: at least 14 cancellations, average delays over three hours, diversions to Las Cruces, and rerouted medevac flights
- Affected airlines mentioned: Southwest, American, Delta, United
Operations resumed following the FAA’s confirmation that there was no ongoing risk to aviation.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
14
Airlines affected
Southwest, American, Delta, United
Cities affected
El Paso, Las Cruces
Start date
2026-02-10
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
13 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
