FAA Grounds All Flights at El Paso International Airport Amid Security Concerns
London, 11 February 2026 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order halting all air traffic at El Paso International Airport and closing the surrounding airspace for a period of 10 days. The restriction, which took effect late on 10 February 2026, has grounded commercial, cargo, and private flights, citing “special security reasons” and national defence designations. Local authorities and federal officials have yet to provide specific details regarding the nature of the security threat, leaving thousands of travellers stranded in West Texas.
Airspace Closure and National Defence Designation
The flight restriction was implemented at 11:30 p.m. MST on 10 February and is currently scheduled to remain in place until 20 February 2026. The closure extends beyond the city of El Paso, affecting significant portions of southern New Mexico airspace. According to FAA filings, the order was issued under a national defence designation, a move typically reserved for high-level security operations or immediate threats to national sovereignty. Major carriers, including those operating out of Dallas-Fort Worth, have cancelled all scheduled services to the region.
Regional Impact and Infrastructure
El Paso is the most populous city in West Texas and serves as a critical transport hub for the Chihuahuan Desert region. The sudden closure of its primary airport is expected to disrupt supply chains and cross-border commerce with Ciudad Juárez. While the aviation sector remains at a standstill, other local infrastructure projects continue; El Paso Electric recently launched a residential energy storage pilot program to bolster grid reliability, and discussions remain ongoing regarding the proposed “Debt Plaza” over the I-10 motorway.
Key Facts: El Paso, Texas
The following table outlines the demographic and historical profile of El Paso based on established records.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 678,815 (22nd-most populous in the U.S.) |
| State Ranking | Sixth-most populous city in Texas |
| Incorporation Date | 1873 |
| Primary Military Installation | Fort Bliss (Established 1849) |
| Geographic Region | Chihuahuan Desert / West Texas |
| Current Airspace Status | Closed (Effective 10 February – 20 February 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the FAA closed the El Paso airspace?
The FAA cited “special security reasons” and a “national defence designation” for the 10-day closure. Specific details regarding the underlying cause have not been released to the public as of 11 February 2026.
How long will the flight restrictions last?
The current Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is scheduled to remain in effect until 20 February 2026. However, this may be subject to change based on federal security assessments.
Are there any major events currently scheduled in the city?
While the airport is closed, the city is preparing for the “Sol Summit” music festival in May, featuring headliners such as The Flaming Lips and Bomba Estéreo. Local cultural events and residential construction projects currently remain unaffected by the flight ban.