FAA Reopens El Paso Airspace After 10-Day Shutdown Announced, Says No Threat to Commercial Aviation

A Sudden Closure

All commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights to and from El Paso International Airport have been grounded for 10 days after the Federal Aviation Administration issued an unexpected temporary flight restriction late Tuesday.

The FAA order took effect at 11:30 p.m. MST on February 10 and is scheduled to remain in place until 11:30 p.m. MST on February 20. The agency described the restriction as being for “special security reasons” but has not released additional details.

The closure also affects airspace around Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Mexican airspace is not included in the restriction. This is a developing story.

What the FAA Announced

In its official Notice to Airmen, the FAA stated that no pilots may operate aircraft in the affected airspace during the restriction period. The order applies to:

• Commercial passenger flights

• Cargo flights

• General aviation

The FAA has not clarified the nature of the security concern prompting the 10-day shutdown. City officials in El Paso confirmed they were notified on short notice and are seeking further guidance.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar called the decision “unprecedented” and said it has caused significant concern within the community. She stated that, based on available information, there is no immediate threat to the public.

A 10-day blanket grounding of a major U.S. airport is extremely rare. While short-term closures happen due to weather, emergencies, or isolated security incidents, a multi-day federal flight restriction covering all commercial, cargo, and general aviation traffic is virtually unheard of in recent years outside of major national crises. The FAA has not indicated whether similar restrictions have been issued elsewhere, and that lack of detail is fueling questions across the aviation industry. Until more information is released, the scale and duration of this shutdown make it one of the most unusual airspace restrictions in modern domestic travel.

Airlines Respond

Major carriers serving El Paso — including Southwest, American, Delta, and United — have paused operations in compliance with the FAA directive.

Southwest Airlines said it is notifying affected customers and emphasized that safety remains its top priority. United Airlines has issued a travel waiver allowing customers to reschedule flights departing between February 10 and February 19 without change fees, provided rebooked travel stays within original routes and cabin class.

Travelers are being urged to contact their airlines directly for updated flight status information.

Impact on Travelers and the Region

El Paso International Airport serves roughly 700,000 residents in the city and surrounding region. In recent activity reports, the airport handled approximately 315,000 passengers in a single month.

The 10-day suspension is expected to cause widespread disruption across west Texas and southern New Mexico. El Paso is also a key hub for cross-border travel and commerce with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

As of Wednesday morning, airport departure boards were reportedly displaying flights as delayed rather than canceled, leading to confusion for passengers who arrived at terminals.

Travelers arriving overnight reported learning about cancellations from other passengers rather than airline staff.

What Happens Next

The FAA has not indicated whether the restriction could be lifted early or extended beyond February 20.

Officials say updates will be shared as more information becomes available. We will continue updating this article as the FAA or federal officials provide additional details.

FAQ: FAA Grounds Flights at El Paso International Airport

Why did the FAA ground flights at El Paso International Airport?


The FAA issued a temporary flight restriction citing “special security reasons.” Officials have not released further details about the nature of the security concern.

How long will flights be grounded in El Paso?

The restriction began at 11:30 p.m. MST on February 10, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place until 11:30 p.m. MST on February 20, 2026.

Which flights are affected?


All commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights to and from El Paso International Airport are impacted by the FAA order.

Is Santa Teresa, New Mexico, affected?


Yes. The temporary flight restriction also applies to airspace around Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Does this include Mexican airspace?


No. The FAA restriction does not include Mexican airspace.

Can passengers rebook their flights?


Yes. Airlines including United and Southwest have issued travel waivers allowing affected passengers to reschedule flights without change fees. Travelers should contact their airline directly for specific rebooking options.

Is there an active threat to the public?

Local officials have stated there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community, though the FAA has not provided additional explanation for the restriction.

Will the airport reopen earlier than February 20?


There has been no indication from the FAA that the restriction will be lifted early. Officials say updates will be shared if conditions change.