EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — New Mexico Congressman Gabe Vasquez spoke at the House Armed Services Committee, where he asked the Department of War for answers on what caused the abrupt El Paso airport closure in February.
Vasquez asked Joseph M. Humire, the Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs, several questions.
Humire said what caused the incident was due to a lack of coordination between the FAA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“A lot that was in lack of coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, I’m happy to report that since that incident, we’ve been able to streamline more of that coordination between the three agencies, Department of War, FAA and the Department of Homeland Security,” Humire said.
During the hearing, Rep. Vasquez also secured a commitment from the Department of Defense officials for a classified briefing on what led to the sudden closure of the El Paso airport and subsequent coordination issues to help protect New Mexicans from similar situations in the future.
“I think that’s the important thing — where the coordination has to be in place with the respective agencies, with DHS and FAA. That if there is no imminent threat, especially to commercial airliners, that needs to happen before we shut down international airspace. It’s been about a month since Representative Escobar and I sent a letter requesting a specific briefing on this issue and what led to the sudden closure of the El Paso airport. We have not received any response. Is this something you can commit to? A briefing for myself and Congresswoman Escobar?” asked Vasquez.
Humire responded, “Yes.”
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On February 11, 2025, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso Airport citing “special security concerns.” The restrictions were lifted by the FAA within hours of being issued after Congressional inquiry. All flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, were initially grounded, causing chaos and confusion in the region as the FAA provided no advance notice to Congress, local leadership, or airport officials.
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