Drone operations, both government and unauthorized, can trigger FAA airspace restrictions. Here’s how it works.
EL PASO, Texas — The brief airspace closure over El Paso has raised questions about how drone activity, both government and criminal, can disrupt commercial aviation.
According to airline sources cited by CBS News, the FAA halted flights out of caution amid uncertainty over drone operations in the region.
Here’s how that works.
How airspace is managed
The FAA coordinates civilian air traffic control across the country. When aircraft, including drones, operate in controlled airspace, the FAA must know where they are flying to ensure safe separation from commercial jets.
If flight paths cannot be clearly predicted, the FAA can issue:
- A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions)
- A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)
These tools allow the agency to restrict or reroute air traffic for safety reasons.
Why drones complicate airspace
Unlike commercial aircraft, drones:
- Often fly at lower altitudes
- Can change direction quickly
- May not always be visible to radar
- May not coordinate with air traffic control
If drones are operating near an airport — especially outside established corridors — commercial aircraft could face increased risk during takeoff and landing.
Government vs. unauthorized drones
In the El Paso case, CBS News reported that U.S. government drones were operating near a base close to the airport as part of counter-drone efforts targeting cartel activity.
At the same time, cartel-operated drones would not be filing flight plans or communicating with air traffic control.
When coordination gaps occur — particularly between agencies like the FAA and Department of Defense — airspace restrictions may be issued out of caution.
Why flights above 17,999 feet were allowed
CBS News reported that flights were permitted above 17,999 feet.
That’s because drones typically operate at much lower altitudes, meaning high-altitude commercial aircraft would not be affected.
What happens next?
When agencies align and risks are reassessed, restrictions can be lifted — as happened in El Paso.
Still, the situation highlights growing challenges as drone activity increases near sensitive areas and commercial airports.