Secret Army Laser Test Forces Overnight Shutdown of El Paso Airspace

A secret U.S. Army laser-based anti-drone system triggered a sudden shutdown of air traffic at El Paso International Airport, halting flights for more than seven hours and stranding passengers overnight. The Federal Aviation Administration initially announced a 10-day closure citing “special security reasons,” an unprecedented move for a single airport. Officials later revealed that concerns over the safety risks posed by a direct-energy weapon system near commercial flight paths led to the emergency restriction, disrupting passenger travel and medical evacuation flights at one of the nation’s busiest regional airports.

Sources familiar with the matter said the Army proceeded with testing a laser defense system known as LOCUST at Fort Bliss, located adjacent to El Paso International Airport, without final clearance from aviation authorities. The system, manufactured by AeroVironment, is designed to counter hostile drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. Aviation officials reportedly raised alarms that the laser could interfere with aircraft operations, prompting the FAA to suspend flights until additional safety evaluations were agreed upon.

The White House was said to be caught off guard by the sweeping closure, leading to urgent discussions among federal agencies before restrictions were lifted. Lawmakers, including Ted Cruz, have called for a classified briefing to clarify what occurred, while local officials criticized the lack of coordination with airport and security authorities. Though U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy linked the action to cartel-linked drone activity near the border, critics argue that such incidents typically result in brief delays rather than extended shutdowns, raising broader questions about interagency communication and aviation safety protocols.

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