An important US airport has halted all flights for a duration of 10 days following directives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
El Paso International Airport in Texas announced that no flights will be allowed to take off or land from Tuesday, February 10, until Friday, February 20, at 11.30 pm.
The FAA stated that these temporary restrictions are due to ‘special security reasons.’
No additional information was provided regarding the specific reasons.
The announcement specified that pilots are prohibited from operating aircraft in the areas affected by this notice, with the exception of Mexican airspace.
Located just five miles from the Mexican border, El Paso International serves as a gateway to central US destinations like Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, and San Diego.
The airport is served by major airlines such as Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines.
Described as the ‘busiest commercial airport serving West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and North Central Mexico,’ El Paso International had over 4,000,000 passengers in 2024.
The 10-day suspension of flights is likely to result in significant travel disruptions for both commuters and tourists.
Travelers who have flights scheduled in the upcoming 10 days are encouraged to reach out to their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.
The airport mentioned that the restriction was issued ‘on short notice,’ and they are currently awaiting more detailed guidance from the FAA.
El Paso Matters highlighted specifics from the FAA order: “The federal aviation administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in this NOTAM as ‘ntl defense airspace’.
“Pilots who do not adhere to the following proc may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.”
Further details included: “The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne ACFT, if it is determined that the ACFT poses an imminent security threat.”
The restriction affects all flights to and from the airport and extends up to an altitude of 18,000 feet.
The no-fly zone spans a 10-mile radius, including the Biggs Army Airfield.
The FAA, part of the US Department of Transportation, is responsible for the regulation and oversight of ‘all aspects of civil aviation’ within the United States.
According to its website, the FAA manages an average of 44,360 flights daily.
UNILAD has reached out to both El Paso International Airport and the FAA for additional information.