FAA Closes El Paso Airspace Due to Military Operations

Airspace restriction lifted after military could not assure civilian flight safety

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas for 10 days on February 11, 2026, citing "defense airspace" and warning that pilots who violated the restriction could be intercepted, detained and questioned by law enforcement. The FAA acted after the Defense Department could not assure civilian flight safety in the area, which includes Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss.

Why it matters

The sudden and unprecedented closure of airspace over a major U.S. city raised concerns about public safety and the coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities. El Paso is a major transportation hub, and the airspace restriction disrupted commercial and private flights in the region.

The details

The FAA notice described the El Paso airspace as "defense airspace," warning pilots that they could be intercepted, detained and questioned by law enforcement if they violated the restriction. The airspace closure included military aircraft, medical evacuation helicopters, law enforcement, and all other civilian flights. According to a source briefed by the FAA, the military operations at Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss were the reason the FAA took the action after the Defense Department could not assure civilian flight safety.

  • The airspace closure was announced early on the morning of February 11, 2026.
  • The airspace restriction was in place for 10 days.
  • The FAA lifted the airspace closure later on the morning of February 11, 2026.

The players

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency responsible for the safety of civil aviation in the United States.

Biggs Army Air Field

A U.S. Army airfield located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal department responsible for national defense and military operations.

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What they’re saying

“A source briefed by FAA tells me the El Paso flight ban was driven by military operations from Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss. The FAA acted after the Defense Department could not assure civilian flight safety.”

— Pete Muntean, CNN Reporter (CNN)

“It's essentially a no-fly zone now that includes military aircraft medical evacuation helicopters, law enforcement, nothing. Nothing can fly. We've never seen anything like this here at least since. Since 9/11, when everything was grounded.”

— Bob Moore, CEO, El Paso Matters (CNN)

What’s next

The FAA is expected to provide more details on the reasons for the airspace closure and the coordination with the military in the coming days.

The takeaway

The sudden and unprecedented closure of airspace over a major U.S. city highlights the need for better coordination and communication between military and civilian aviation authorities to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions to commercial and private air travel.