The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a sweeping temporary flight restriction, effectively grounding all flights at El Paso International Airport in Texas for a full 10 days. This unprecedented halt, attributed to 'special security reasons', commenced on February 10 at 11:30 PM MST and is set to continue until February 20 at 11:30 PM MST, disrupting all commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations.
National Defence Airspace Designation
In a significant escalation, the FAA has reclassified the airspace surrounding El Paso as 'national defence airspace'. This designation underscores the severity of the perceived threat, with authorities warning that non-compliance will not be tolerated. The FAA explicitly stated that pilots failing to adhere to these limitations will face detention, and in extreme cases, the United States Government reserves the right to use deadly force against any airborne aircraft deemed an imminent security risk.
Airport and Community Impact
El Paso airport officials confirmed the sudden imposition of the restriction, which also affects the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The airport has been compelled to halt all inbound and outbound flights, leaving travellers and airlines in limbo. Airport staff are actively seeking further guidance from the FAA while notifying commercial carriers of the security-related shutdown.
Travellers are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates on flight statuses and potential rebooking options. The extended grounding highlights the profound impact of national security measures on regional travel and logistics, with the full ramifications of this 10-day suspension yet to be fully realised.
