All Flights at El Paso Airport Halted for 10 Days Over Security Concerns

The FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction, citing unspecified "special security reasons".

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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All commercial flights, cargo operations, and general aviation at the El Paso International Airport in Texas have been suspended for 10 days due to an unspecified security concern. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed the airspace over the airport and the nearby Santa Teresa neighborhood in New Mexico, citing "special security reasons" for the unprecedented closure.

Why it matters

Closing a major airport for an extended period over unspecified security reasons is highly unusual in the U.S. The move has caused significant disruption and concern in the El Paso community, with local officials and representatives expressing surprise at the sudden and unexplained decision.

The details

The FAA notice states the airspace closure took effect at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, and is due to remain in place until February 20. Pilots who stray into the airspace could have their flight certifications suspended, and the U.S. government has warned it "may use deadly force" if an aircraft poses an "imminent security threat." The closure spans a 10-mile radius around the airport and reaches up to 18,000 feet.

  • The airspace closure took effect at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10.
  • The closure is due to remain in place until February 20.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

El Paso International Airport

A major international airport serving the city of El Paso, Texas.

Rep. Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative who represents Texas's 20th Congressional District in San Antonio.

Rep. Vincent Perez

A Texas state Representative.

Rep. Veronica Escobar

A U.S. Representative who represents Texas's 16th Congressional District, which includes El Paso.

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What they’re saying

“I have never heard of an American airspace being shut down for 10 days, absent a major emergency.”

— Rep. Vincent Perez, Texas state Representative (The New York Times)

“The highly consequential decision by the FAA to shut down the El Paso airport for 10 days is unprecedented and resulted in significant concern in the community. From what my office and I have been able to gather overnight and early this morning, there is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas.”

— Rep. Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (Rep. Veronica Escobar's statement)

What’s next

The FAA has stated it will provide more guidance to the El Paso International Airport and local authorities as the situation develops. The airport has urged travelers to contact their airlines for the latest flight status information.

The takeaway

The sudden and unexplained closure of the El Paso airport has raised significant concerns and questions within the local community and among elected officials. The lack of clear communication from federal authorities about the reasons for this unprecedented action has heightened the sense of uncertainty and unease.