El Paso Airspace Closed for 10 Days Over Security Concerns

FAA imposes rare temporary flight restriction in Texas and New Mexico region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction immediately halting all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas and an area of southern New Mexico for 10 days. The FAA cited security concerns as the reason for the rare move.

Why it matters

Temporary airspace closures are highly unusual and can significantly disrupt travel plans for passengers and cargo. The FAA does not take such actions lightly, indicating there are serious security issues that authorities feel require this extraordinary measure.

The details

The FAA has not provided specifics on the nature of the security concerns that prompted the airspace closure around El Paso. Aviation experts speculate it could be related to potential threats, military exercises, or other sensitive activities in the region. The temporary flight restriction covers El Paso International Airport as well as a wider area of airspace in southern New Mexico.

  • The FAA issued the temporary flight restriction on February 11, 2026.
  • The airspace closure is set to last for 10 days.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

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

Mary Schiavo

A CNN aviation analyst who provided commentary on the reasons behind the FAA's decision.

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What they’re saying

“Temporary airspace closures are highly unusual and can significantly disrupt travel plans for passengers and cargo. The FAA does not take such actions lightly, indicating there are serious security issues that authorities feel require this extraordinary measure.”

— Mary Schiavo, CNN Aviation Analyst (CNN)

What’s next

The FAA has not indicated when the airspace restriction around El Paso will be lifted, stating only that it will remain in effect for 10 days.

The takeaway

This rare FAA action highlights the seriousness of the security concerns in the El Paso region, though the specific nature of the threat remains unclear. Travelers should check with their airlines for the latest updates on flights to and from the affected area.