Federal Review Underway After El Paso Airspace Shutdown

Federal investigators are examining who approved the recent El Paso airspace shutdown and when the decision was made. Early reviews indicate poor coordination between the FAA, the Pentagon, and the Department of Homeland Security.

The disruption has been linked to a counter-drone laser test conducted near Fort Bliss. Aviation officials say they were not fully alerted prior to the operation, and that communication gap led to an emergency halt of civilian flights.

Lawmakers are now requesting emails, timelines, and approval records as part of a broader review. Some officials have offered conflicting explanations about the nature of the threat. Congressional oversight committees are preparing formal hearings, and new cross-agency airspace notification rules are being drafted to prevent similar incidents.