A sudden airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, has caused friction between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over a laser test intended to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels. The closure lasted only a few hours, but it disrupted flights and stranded travelers. The incident highlights concerns about coordination and communication between government agencies.
The FAA and Pentagon had planned a meeting to discuss the issue, but the Pentagon insisted on proceeding with the laser test despite the FAA’s concerns for commercial air safety. As a result, the airspace was closed, affecting multiple airlines and passengers.
While the closure has been lifted, many travelers are still reeling from the disruption, with some having to cancel flights or reroute medical evacuation flights. Officials have acknowledged that coordination between agencies is crucial in preventing such incidents.
The incident is not an isolated one, as drone incursions along the US-Mexico border are common. Cartels use drones to transport drugs and surveil Border Patrol agents. The FAA and Pentagon have been working to address this issue, but the sudden closure of airspace has raised concerns about their ability to coordinate effectively.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/faa-el-paso-texas-air-space-closed-1f774bdfd46f5986ff0e7003df709caa