February 20, 2026 at 03:01PM
US official says closing El Paso airport was not mistake, will brief Congress
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said it was not a mistake to close the airport in El Paso, Texas last week and that the department will brief lawmakers next week who have raised concerns about the decision.
Duffy emphasized the closure was a precaution and defended the department’s handling of the situation amid ongoing questions from Congress.
The briefing to lawmakers is expected to address the rationale behind the closure and assess potential impacts on travel and regional security.