FAA Lifts Airspace Restrictions Over Southern New Mexico

Lawmakers demand answers after unexplained flight restrictions were lifted after a few days.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted restrictions that had barred flights over a large area of southern New Mexico for several days, according to lawmakers. The FAA had cited 'special security reasons' for the restrictions, which also briefly impacted flights to and from the nearby El Paso airport before being lifted there. However, the agency did not provide an explanation for the New Mexico restrictions, which drew criticism from local representatives demanding transparency.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexplained airspace restrictions over southern New Mexico raised concerns about potential national security issues or other emergencies in the region. The lack of transparency from the FAA also fueled speculation and frustration among local lawmakers and residents who rely on air travel in the area.

The details

The FAA initially issued orders barring flights to and from the nearby El Paso airport as well as over a large swath of southern New Mexico. The restrictions over El Paso were lifted after just a few hours on Wednesday, but the New Mexico restrictions remained in place for several more days before being lifted as well. Local representatives, including Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez, criticized the lack of explanation from the FAA and called for more transparency around the reasons for the flight restrictions.

  • The FAA issued the airspace restrictions on Tuesday, February 13, 2026.
  • The restrictions over El Paso were lifted early Wednesday, February 14, 2026.
  • The restrictions over southern New Mexico were lifted later in the week, on an unspecified date.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

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

Gabe Vasquez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New Mexico who criticized the FAA's lack of transparency around the airspace restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“Southern New Mexicans and El Pasoans deserve answers and transparency.”

— Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative (ksgf.com)

The takeaway

The sudden and unexplained airspace restrictions over southern New Mexico highlight the need for greater transparency from federal agencies when implementing measures that disrupt regional air travel and raise potential national security concerns. Local lawmakers will likely continue to press the FAA for a full explanation of the reasons behind the restrictions.