The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended all flights to and from El Paso International Airport for “special security reasons.” The airport confirmed the grounding in an Instagram post, warning that no departures or arrivals can operate until 21 February.
National defence airspace in effect
Aviation experts say closing an international airport and surrounding airspace for ten days is extremely rare outside major security events. The FAA labelled the area as “national defence airspace,” signalling possible involvement by the Department of Defense or other national security agencies, though officials have not confirmed this.
The closure affects El Paso and a large swath of southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa, potentially disrupting travel in the nation’s 23rd largest city.
FAA warns pilots
FAA Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) tell pilots that law enforcement may intercept, detain, and question aircraft that ignore the restrictions. The notices also warn that the U.S. government may use deadly force against aircraft deemed an imminent security threat.
The NOTAMs took effect at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Tuesday and will expire at 11:30 p.m. on 20 February.
City and airport respond
El Paso city officials confirmed flight cancellations early Wednesday. “The FAA issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and Santa Teresa, NM,” the city said. “The restriction applies to commercial, cargo, and general aviation. Travelers should contact their airlines for updates.”
Airport staff are coordinating with the FAA and relaying guidance to commercial airlines operating out of El Paso.
Historical context and scope
Observers note that a ten-day closure of airspace over a major U.S. city has not occurred since immediately after the 11 September 2001 attacks.
The FAA restriction covers most of El Paso County, including Fort Bliss, from the ground up to 17,000 feet. It also extends into southern New Mexico west of Santa Teresa but does not include Mexican airspace. The FAA has set up a hotline through its Special Operations Support Center for inquiries.
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