Overview
- NOTUS obtained nearly 100 texts, chats, and emails showing airport and FAA staff describing the abrupt order as “insane,” “wild,” and “WTF” while they searched for basic details.
- The FAA initially posted an 11-day restriction on Feb. 10 but lifted it after roughly eight hours, with the White House directing a 7 a.m. reopening, according to The Independent.
- Major carriers including Delta, Southwest, American, and United pressed for guidance as airport leaders managed diversions and even fielded an inquiry from a Blue Origin representative.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at the time a cartel drone threat had been addressed, though later reporting indicated a Pentagon counter-drone energy weapon engaged what turned out to be a party balloon.
- El Paso’s mayor condemned the lack of notice, a city representative cited diversions of medical and cargo flights, and lawmakers renewed demands for briefings and independent investigations.