Airspace Shutdown: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated a ten-day airspace shutdown over El Paso, Texas, and southern New Mexico to address special security needs, which required them to take this action. The restriction extends to El Paso International Airport, which now prohibits all flight operations for incoming and outgoing aircraft.
The temporary flight restriction (TFR) began on February 10 at 11:30 p.m. (MST) and will remain active until February 20 at 11:30 p.m. (MST).
All Flights Grounded
The flight prohibition extends to all commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations. El Paso International Airport confirmed to KFOX14 that the FAA issued its order without warning, which affected both El Paso and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Airport officials said they are awaiting further guidance from the FAA. Passengers need to contact their airlines to receive current flight status updates.
What is ‘National Defense Airspace’?
The FAA has defined the affected area as “national defense airspace.” The designation operates within national security zones, which restrict or prohibit flight operations to protect important infrastructure, military personnel, and American territory.
Pilots who violate restricted zone operational procedures face interception, detention, and questioning by law enforcement and security agencies, according to an FAA notice that El Paso Matters used as a reference.
The U.S. government reserves the right to execute lethal force when it identifies an aircraft as an immediate security threat.
Currently, authorities have not released specific information that clarifies the national defense reasons for the temporary airspace shutdown.
