FAA Halts El Paso Flights for 10 Days Citing 'Special Security Reasons'

Temporary flight restrictions prohibit all aircraft operations in the area.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions over El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, prohibiting all flight operations there for the next 10 days due to 'special security reasons'. The restrictions will remain in effect until February 21st, excluding Mexican airspace.

Why it matters

El Paso is home to one of the largest cargo facilities near the border, so these restrictions could have a significant impact on shipments and disrupt travel plans for both commercial and private flights in the region.

The details

The notice states that no flights can operate beginning early Wednesday within a 10 nautical mile radius of El Paso Airport, including from the ground up to 17,999 feet. Pilots who violate these restrictions could be intercepted or detained for questioning by law enforcement, and failure to comply could result in civil penalties, license revocation, or even the use of deadly force if the aircraft is deemed an imminent security threat.

  • The restrictions went into effect on February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST).
  • The restrictions will remain in place until February 20 at 11:30 PM (MST).

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

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

El Paso International Airport

The largest airport serving the El Paso, Texas metropolitan area and one of the largest cargo facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border.

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What they’re saying

“The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, NM. The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST).”

— El Paso Airport Authorities (ABC News)

What’s next

Airport staff has reached out to the FAA for additional guidance, and travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.

The takeaway

This temporary flight restriction over the El Paso region highlights the FAA's ability to quickly implement heightened security measures in response to unspecified 'special security reasons', which could significantly disrupt travel and cargo operations in the border area.