FAA Grounds All Flights in El Paso for 10 Days

Airspace closure raises concerns for travelers and businesses in the region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed the airspace around El Paso, Texas for a 10-day period, effectively grounding all flights in and out of the city. The sudden and unexpected move has left travelers stranded and local businesses concerned about the potential economic impact.

Why it matters

El Paso is a major transportation hub for the region, with the airport serving as a gateway for both business and leisure travelers. The airspace closure will disrupt travel plans, impact local commerce, and raise questions about the reasons behind the FAA's decision.

The details

The FAA has not provided specific details on the reasons for the 10-day airspace closure around El Paso. The sudden nature of the decision has left airlines, passengers, and local businesses scrambling to adjust. Flights in and out of El Paso's international airport have been grounded, forcing travelers to find alternative transportation options or cancel their plans altogether.

  • The airspace closure went into effect on February 11, 2026.
  • The closure is expected to last for 10 days, until February 21, 2026.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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

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What’s next

The FAA has not provided a clear timeline for when the airspace around El Paso will reopen, leaving travelers and businesses in the region uncertain about the duration of the disruption.

The takeaway

The sudden and unexplained closure of the airspace around El Paso highlights the significant impact that such decisions can have on local economies and the lives of travelers. The incident underscores the need for greater transparency and communication from the FAA when implementing measures that disrupt air travel.