El Paso International Airport Shut Down by FAA Over Security Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a complete halt to all take-offs and landings at El Paso International Airport in Texas, citing 'special security reasons' without providing further details. This unprecedented move has grounded all flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM MST until February 20 at 11:30 PM MST.
Scope of the Flight Restrictions
In an advisory, the airport confirmed that the restrictions apply to all flights to and from El Paso, with travelers urged to contact their airlines for updates. The FAA's notice, issued on short notice, also prohibits flights over the nearby community of Santa Teresa in New Mexico, as reported by The New York Times. The airport is awaiting additional guidance from the FAA regarding the situation.
Details of the Airspace Closure
The flight ban covers a radius of approximately 10 nautical miles from El Paso International Airport, excluding Mexican airspace, and extends up to an altitude of 17,999 feet. According to the FAA, "No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM", emphasizing the strict enforcement of these measures. This closure impacts major U.S. airlines such as Southwest, Delta, United, and American, which operate at this hub.
Impact and Context
El Paso International Airport, located adjacent to the U.S. military's Biggs Army Airfield, handled 3.49 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025, highlighting the significant disruption caused by this shutdown. The restrictions were implemented abruptly, leaving many travelers stranded and seeking alternative arrangements. This incident draws parallels to past aviation disruptions, such as flight delays at Delhi airport, underscoring the global nature of air travel challenges.
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to monitor the security concerns that prompted this drastic action, with no official explanation yet provided for the specific threats involved.
