U.S. Closes Airspace Over El Paso for Security Reasons

Wed Feb 11 2026 20:37:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a temporary closure of airspace around El Paso, Texas, for ten days starting from February 11, 2026, citing 'special security reasons'. Local authorities express concerns over the lack of communication regarding this unusual restriction.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a ten-day closure of airspace surrounding El Paso, Texas, from February 11 to February 20, 2026, affecting all flights. City officials reported that they were not informed in advance about the decision, which was attributed to 'special security reasons' by the FAA. This restriction includes a 10-mile radius around the area, causing unease among local residents and authorities, particularly due to the region's unique geographical position adjacent to Mexico.

The U.S. Closes Airspace Over El Paso for Security Reasons

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed the airspace surrounding the Texas border town of El Paso for a duration of ten days, starting from 11:30 PM on February 11, 2026, until 11:30 PM on February 20, 2026. The closure, which will prevent all flights from taking off or landing, was officially confirmed by local authorities, including the El Paso International Airport.

City Council member Chris Canales stated that local authorities received no advance notice or reasons behind this unusual decision. The FAA has labeled the closure as necessary for special security reasons. The lack of communication has raised concerns among residents and officials alike, prompting apprehension about the potential implications of this airspace restriction.

Historically, long-term airspace closures are uncommon, as the FAA has reported a reduction in airspace closures from an average of over four hours per launch to just above two hours since 2018.

According to the FAA, this restriction encompasses a 10-mile radius around El Paso, including parts of southern New Mexico, just west of San Teresa. Canales underscored the unique geography of El Paso, given its proximity to Mexico's Ciudad Juarez, the U.S. Army base at Fort Bliss, and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, emphasizing the area's strategic significance.

In a recent post on Facebook, the El Paso International Airport confirmed that all local flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, were grounded due to the FAA's order. They advised travelers to reach out to their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses. The situation has prompted media inquiries to both the FAA and the city government for further clarification.

This unexpected closure has sparked discussions about the communication processes between federal agencies and local officials, highlighting the importance of timely information sharing in maintaining public trust and operational integrity in air travel.