FAA Halts All Flights In and Out of El Paso for 10 Days

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The Federal Aviation Administration has abruptly halted all flights into and out of El Paso International Airport, as well as the nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico airport, for a 10-day period citing "special security reasons." The flight restriction is in effect from February 10 at 11:30 PM MST until February 20 at 11:30 PM MST.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexplained flight restriction is highly unusual and will significantly disrupt travel and commerce in the El Paso region. The FAA has provided no details on the specific security concerns that prompted this action, raising questions and concerns among local officials and travelers.

The details

El Paso International Airport issued an advisory on social media stating that all commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights to and from the airport have been grounded. The airport says it has reached out to the FAA for more information but is still awaiting additional guidance. Airlines operating out of El Paso are being notified of the restriction.

• The flight restriction is in effect from February 10 at 11:30 PM MST until February 20 at 11:30 PM MST.