The abrupt closure of airspace over El Paso last week was prompted by the Pentagon’s use of an anti-drone laser, the Associated Press reported.
The US Defence Department determined to test the laser near Fort Bliss, north of El Paso, without coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration, the report said, citing unnamed people.
The FAA closed airspace in the region to protect civilian air traffic, according to the people.
Lack of coordination
The uncoordinated test was reportedly carried out in spite of a meeting planned for later in February between the Defence Department and the FAA to discuss the issue.
Initially the FAA said the El Paso airspace would be closed for 10 days, without giving a reason, leading to cancelled flights.
The order was lifted three hours later, adding to passenger confusion.
Airport, city and state officials said they were not informed ahead of time about the sudden closure.
Confusion
The Defence Department and the US administration said the closure was implemented to deal with a drone incursion by Mexican cartels.
However, local officials in El Paso said such drone sightings are a daily occurrence along the border.
“The information coming from the federal government does not add up,” said Representative Veronica Escobar, whose district includes El Paso.
Seven arrivals and seven departures were cancelled during the closure, with medical evacuation flights also rerouted.
