BREAKING: El Paso Airport Closed for 10 Days
In an unprecedented move not seen since the 9/11 attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has shut down all airspace over El Paso, Texas, and nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, for 10 days, grounding every commercial, cargo, and private flight without explanation. The shocking closure, which took effect at 11:30 PM MST on February 10, 2026, and will last until February 20, has left the nation’s 23rd-largest city completely cut off from air travel. The FAA cited only “special security reasons” in its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), classifying the area as “national defense airspace” and warning that the U.S. government “may use deadly force” against any aircraft that violates the restriction. With over 400 flights canceled, 3.5 million annual passengers affected, and no official explanation provided, the closure has sparked intense speculation about what could warrant such drastic action along the U.S.-Mexico border near Fort Bliss Army post. Local officials, including Rep. Veronica Escobar, were given no advance warning, and even air traffic controllers learned about the restriction just 30 minutes before implementation.
El Paso Airport Closure: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Airport Affected | El Paso International Airport (ELP/KELP) |
| Closure Start | February 10, 2026 at 11:30 PM MST |
| Closure End | February 20, 2026 at 11:30 PM MST |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Official Reason Given | “Special Security Reasons” (no details) |
| NOTAM Number | FDC 6/2233 |
| Airspace Classification | “National Defense Airspace” |
| Restricted Zone Radius | 10 nautical miles (11.5 regular miles) |
| Altitude Restriction | Ground level to 17,999 feet (18,000+ can fly over) |
| Flights Affected | ALL – Commercial, Cargo, General Aviation, Medical |
| Estimated Canceled Flights | 400+ over 10-day period |
| Annual Passengers (2025) | 3.49 million (Jan-Nov 2025) |
| Mexican Airspace | NOT AFFECTED – Juarez airport remains open |
| Last Flight In | American Airlines from Chicago (10:57 PM, Feb 10) |
| Advance Warning | NONE – Officials learned 30-60 minutes before |
| Historical Comparison | First 10-day U.S. city airspace closure since 9/11 |
What Happened: Timeline of the Sudden Shutdown
The closure caught everyone by surprise, including local officials, airport staff, and pilots already in the air. Here’s how the unprecedented shutdown unfolded:
| Time (MST) | Event |
| ~10:00 PM (Feb 10) | El Paso air traffic controllers receive notice of impending TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) |
| 10:57 PM (Feb 10) | American Airlines flight from Chicago lands – LAST flight to arrive |
| ~11:00 PM (Feb 10) | Air traffic control informs Southwest flight WN1249 from Houston: Airport closing for 10 days |
| 11:30 PM (Feb 10) | AIRSPACE CLOSES – NOTAM FDC 6/2233 takes effect |
| 1:13 AM (Feb 11) | Private plane from Everett, WA diverted to Las Cruces, NM (nearest airport) |
| Early AM (Feb 11) | El Paso Airport posts social media alert; Airlines begin mass cancellations |
| Morning (Feb 11) | Rep. Veronica Escobar confirms no imminent threat; urges FAA to lift restrictions |
Shocking Air Traffic Control Audio Reveals Confusion
Audio obtained by CNN and other news outlets captured the moment air traffic controllers broke the news to pilots. In one exchange with Southwest flight 1249:
Controller: “Just be advised I guess there’s a TFR going into effect. Just pass it on to Southwest and everybody else at 0630 [6:30 UTC] for the next 10 days we’re stopped. All ground stop.”
Pilot: “So the airport is totally closed?”
Controller: “Apparently. We just got informed about 30 minutes to an hour ago.”
What “National Defense Airspace” Means & the Deadly Force Warning
The FAA’s NOTAM doesn’t just close the airspace—it contains stern warnings that have alarmed aviation experts. The designation as “national defense airspace” means the area is being protected for national security purposes, a classification typically reserved for areas around the White House, major military operations, or during emergency situations like 9/11.
| Penalties for Violating the Restriction: |
| ✗ Aircraft may be INTERCEPTED by military fighters |
| ✗ Pilots may be DETAINED and interrogated by law enforcement |
| ✗ Pilot licenses may be SUSPENDED or permanently revoked |
| ✗ Civil penalties up to hundreds of thousands of dollars |
| ✗ Federal criminal charges |
| ✗ U.S. government “MAY USE DEADLY FORCE” if aircraft poses imminent threat |
Affected Area: What’s Included in the Closure
| Location | Status |
| El Paso International Airport | CLOSED – All flights grounded |
| El Paso Biggs Field (Military) | Included in restricted zone |
| Santa Teresa, New Mexico | CLOSED – Separate TFR issued |
| Fort Bliss Army Post | Within 10-mile restricted radius |
| Most of El Paso County | Included in restricted zone |
| Ciudad Juárez, Mexico | OPEN – Mexican airspace NOT affected |
| High-altitude flights (18,000+ ft) | Can fly OVER El Paso (not affected) |
Why This Is Unprecedented: Not Since 9/11
Aviation experts and government officials are calling this closure “unprecedented” because nothing like it has happened in the United States since the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, when all U.S. airspace was shut down.
Kyle Bailey, a former FAA safety team member, told Fox News: “It’s definitely something like a national security event, a high-level VIP… I think it’s safe to say that it’s something very big, either from a national security standpoint or perhaps testing something—equipment or something going into the air around the vicinity of those bases.”
Why Is El Paso Airspace Closed? 7 Possible Explanations
With no official explanation provided, speculation is running rampant. Based on the location, military presence, and border context, experts have identified several possibilities:
| Theory | Evidence & Likelihood |
| 1. High-Level VIP Visit | President or other top official visiting Fort Bliss or border area; 10 days seems too long for single visit |
| 2. Military Operation/Testing | Fort Bliss conducts classified weapons testing; altitude restriction (17,999 ft) fits military exercises; STRONG possibility |
| 3. Border Security Threat | Intelligence about drone activity or aerial smuggling; BUT Mexican airspace NOT closed (unusual if true threat) |
| 4. Classified Drone/UAV Operations | Large-scale surveillance or counter-drone operations; Wall Street Journal cited prior drone activity notices; POSSIBLE |
| 5. Imminent Terror Threat | Rep. Escobar confirmed NO imminent threat to El Paso; UNLIKELY |
| 6. Anti-Aircraft/Air Defense Testing | Fort Bliss testing missile defense systems; 10-day window fits major military exercise; POSSIBLE |
| 7. Intelligence/Security Operation | Classified law enforcement or intelligence agency operation; explains lack of transparency; POSSIBLE |
Your Questions Answered: El Paso Airport Closure FAQs
When did the El Paso airport close?
The El Paso International Airport closed at 11:30 PM MST on February 10, 2026, and will remain closed until 11:30 PM MST on February 20, 2026—a total of 10 days.
Why is the El Paso airport closed?
The FAA cited only “special security reasons” and designated the area as “national defense airspace.” No specific explanation has been provided by federal authorities.
Can I still fly to El Paso?
No. All commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights are completely grounded. The nearest alternatives are Ciudad Juárez International Airport (Mexico, 7 miles away) or Albuquerque International Airport (250+ miles away).
What airlines are affected?
All airlines serving El Paso are affected: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, and Avelo Airlines. Over 400 flights will be canceled during the 10-day period.
Will I get a refund for my canceled flight?
Yes. Airlines are required to provide full refunds for flights canceled due to FAA restrictions. Contact your airline directly for rebooking or refund options.
Has this ever happened before?
A 10-day closure of a major U.S. city’s airspace has not occurred since the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. The FAA issues temporary flight restrictions regularly, but they typically last hours (not days) and apply to specific events like sporting events, wildfires, or VIP visits.
Is Mexican airspace closed too?
No. The restriction explicitly does NOT apply to Mexican airspace. Ciudad Juárez International Airport remains open and operational.
Official Statements & Reactions
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso):
“There was no advance notice provided to my office, the City of El Paso, or anyone involved in airport operations. We have urged the FAA to lift the temporary flight restrictions placed on the El Paso area. I will continue to make information public as I learn it.”
El Paso International Airport:
“All flights to and from El Paso are grounded, including commercial, cargo and general aviation. Travelers should contact their airlines to get the most up-to-date flight status information.”
FAA Official Response:
The FAA has declined to provide additional comment beyond the NOTAM itself, citing security concerns.
âš THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from federal authorities.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of February 11, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST. The situation is rapidly developing. All information comes from official FAA notices, statements from El Paso officials, and reports from NBC News, CNN, Fox News, CBS News, The Washington Post, AP News, Reuters, and other credible news sources. Readers should check with airlines and official sources for the latest updates. This article is for informational purposes only.
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