FAA Abruptly Grounds All El Paso Flights for 10 Days

Unprecedented lockdown for 'special security reasons' leaves officials, travelers without answers

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration has suspended all air traffic to and from El Paso International Airport, as well as over nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, citing unspecified "special security reasons". The order took effect at 11:30pm local time on February 11, 2026 and blocks commercial, cargo, and private flights through February 20, 2026. Airport officials said the shutdown came with little warning and they're awaiting further direction from the FAA.

Why it matters

This unprecedented 10-day closure of airspace over a major American city without a clear explanation has left local and national lawmakers, as well as travelers, confused and concerned. Temporary flight restrictions are usually only issued for short-term events, not prolonged periods, raising questions about the nature of the "special security reasons" behind this action.

The details

The FAA notice states the federal government "may use deadly force" against any aircraft that violates the restricted airspace and is deemed an "imminent security threat". However, the restrictions do not include Mexican airspace, and the order does not include a standard exemption for military or first-responder aircraft, which is highly unusual for a temporary flight restriction.

  • The order took effect at 11:30pm local time on February 11, 2026.
  • The airspace closure is in effect through February 20, 2026.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

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

Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative from Texas who said he had no "clear answer" about the reasons for the airspace closure.

Vincent Perez

A Texas state Representative from El Paso who called a 10-day airspace closure without a major emergency something he'd never seen before.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This unprecedented and prolonged closure of airspace over a major American city raises serious questions about the nature of the "special security reasons" behind it and the lack of transparency from the FAA. The situation has left officials, lawmakers, and travelers alike without clear answers, heightening concerns about the potential implications for the region's transportation and economy.