FAA Grounds El Paso Flights for 10 Days Over Security Issues

The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all flights into and out of El Paso International Airport in Texas. The order started late on February 10 and runs until 11:30 p.m. MST on February 20. Officials cite special security reasons but have not said more.

Background

El Paso sits on the border with Mexico. The airport handles thousands of passengers each day. It serves commercial airlines, cargo flights, and private planes. This sudden shutdown affects everyone flying in or out.

The FAA issued the restriction without warning. It covers the airspace over El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Local time marks the start at 11:30 p.m. MST on February 10. That matches 6:30 a.m. UTC on February 11. The end time is the same on February 20.

Airport staff learned of the order late Tuesday night. They posted an alert on social media right away. Travelers arriving or leaving had to make quick changes. Airlines scrambled to reroute passengers.

This kind of full halt is rare. The FAA usually handles smaller issues like weather or runway problems. A 10-day block tied to security stands out. It brings back memories of past events where airspace closed for big threats.

Key Details

The FAA calls the area national defense airspace. Their notice says deadly force may be used against any aircraft that breaks the rules. That happens if a plane poses an immediate security threat.

No flights can enter or leave. This includes big passenger jets, freight haulers, and small private planes. The ban started just after 11:30 p.m. local time on February 10.

El Paso International Airport put out a statement:

All flights to and from El Paso are grounded, including commercial, cargo and general aviation. The FAA has issued a flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST). Travelers should contact their airlines to get most up-to-date flight status information.

Airport leaders say they are working with the FAA. They have not given more details on why this happened.

Impact on Travelers

Passengers with tickets faced instant chaos. Some sat on runways as the order hit. Others got turned back at gates. Airlines like American, Southwest, and Delta fly out of El Paso often. They sent emails and texts to customers.

One traveler waiting for a flight to Dallas described the scene. Lines formed at counters. Phones rang nonstop. Staff handed out water and snacks while explaining the news.

Cargo operations stopped too. Trucks that usually load overnight packages now sit empty. Businesses relying on quick shipments feel the pinch.

Local leaders held a quick meeting Wednesday morning. The mayor's office said they support the FAA but want answers soon.

What This Means

Travelers now face long drives or bus rides to other airports. Las Cruces or Midland might see more traffic. Families split by the ban wait longer to reunite.

The economy takes a hit. El Paso depends on air links for tourism and trade. Hotels near the airport lose bookings. Restaurants see fewer visitors.

Security experts watch closely. A vague reason like this raises questions. Is it a drill? A real threat? Border tensions play a role in many local worries.

Business groups call for clear talk from officials. They say people need to know if this is part of something bigger.

Schools and hospitals keep running. But staff who fly in for shifts face problems. Emergency medical flights might get special okay, though nothing is confirmed.

Reporters from local stations camped out at the airport. They talked to stranded passengers. One woman said she drove six hours from Albuquerque only to turn back.

I just want to know when I can get home. This is crazy.

The FAA has not held a news conference. Their website lists the restriction but skips details. Reporters keep calling for updates.

Nearby bases like Fort Bliss stay active. Military flights might still operate under separate rules. No word on that yet.

Trucks cross the border as usual. But air cargo halts slow some goods. Fresh produce and parts for factories pile up elsewhere.

Residents stock up on basics. Talk spreads about possible tests or alerts. Radio stations run call-in shows. People share tips on road trips to other hubs.

The 10-day mark gives time for plans. Airlines add seats on ground routes. Rental car lots fill fast.

City council meets Thursday. They plan to push for facts. Airport managers join in.

This story moves fast. More news may come as the FAA shares details. Travelers check apps and sites often.