Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico – Ciudad Juarez faced a day of confusion on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after the temporary closure of El Paso International Airport in Texas. The closure, which lasted approximately eight hours, was prompted by the detection of alleged Mexican drones in U.S. airspace, leading to heightened security operations and palpable nervousness at international bridges.
Airspace Restriction Halts Flights, Raises Security Concerns
The aerial restriction, which spanned about eight hours, forced the suspension of commercial and cargo flights from Ciudad Juarez. U.S. security agencies initiated an investigation into the presence of the unmanned aerial vehicles, with preliminary reports suggesting a potential link to organized crime groups.
Ricardo Melgoza, a professor at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, expressed the widespread surprise and lack of information that characterized the situation. “The truth is that it was a surprise for everyone, because there was little information. The certainty was that flights had been canceled. Later it emerged that it had been a Mexican drone from the cartels,” Melgoza stated.
Impact on Border Dynamics and Industrial Activity
During the extended airport closure, users reported long queues and additional inspections at international crossings, although authorities confirmed that vehicular traffic continued to operate normally. Fernando Ruvalcaba, a criminal lawyer, highlighted the significant impact such incidents can have on the region’s industrial dynamics.
Ruvalcaba also emphasized that the use of drones by criminal groups reflects their increasing technological sophistication. “The technological advancement that criminal groups are having goes hand in hand not only with scientific advances, new synthetic drugs, new weaponry, new attack techniques, transportation, in short, life is dynamic, therefore government actions must be just as dynamic,” he noted.
Strategic Importance of the Juarez-El Paso Corridor
Following the confusing alert from the U.S., El Paso Airport resumed operations with the lifting of the air restriction. This incident once again underscores the complex security coordination required between the two countries and the strategic importance of the Juarez-El Paso strip.
Considered one of North America’s most dynamic commercial corridors, the region sees thousands of people crossing daily in both directions for shopping, work, or family visits. The Juarez-El Paso Metropolitan Zone is a binational urban agglomeration home to over 2.5 million inhabitants, encompassing Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua) and El Paso (Texas, USA).
The temporary closure serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in such a vital border region and the ongoing challenges in addressing cross-border security threats, particularly those involving advanced technologies like drones. Authorities on both sides of the border continue to work towards enhancing coordination and response protocols to mitigate future disruptions and ensure the safety and smooth functioning of this critical economic and social hub.
Source: https://lopezdoriga.com/nacional/ciudad-juarez-desconcertada-tras-el-cierre-temporal-del-aeropuerto-de-el-paso-ee-uu/
