FAA Shuts Down El Paso International Airport for 10 Days: Security Order

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) late Tuesday night issued a sweeping and sudden emergency order halting all air traffic at El Paso International Airport (ELP) for a period of 10 days, citing “special security reasons” that have left travelers stranded and local officials scrambling for answers.

The temporary flight restriction (TFR), which went into effect at 11:30 p.m. MST on Feb. 10, 2026, effectively severs the air link to one of the largest cities on the U.S.-Mexico border. The FAA’s notice to air missions (NOTAM) classifies the 10-mile radius around the airport as “National Defense Airspace,” warning pilots that the federal government may use “deadly force” against aircraft that violate the restriction.

An Abrupt and Unexplained Closure

Unlike typical airport closures for weather or scheduled maintenance, this shutdown was issued with less than three hours’ notice. Radio communications from the ELP control tower captured the moment dumbfounded pilots were informed they would be unable to depart.

“Apparently, we just got informed about 30 minutes to an hour ago,” an air traffic controller told a Southwest Airlines pilot late Tuesday.

The restriction extends from the surface up to 18,000 feet, covering not only El Paso International but also surrounding general aviation corridors and parts of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. While the order excludes Mexican airspace, it effectively shuts down commercial, cargo, and private aviation for the 23rd largest city in the United States through Feb. 20, 2026.

Mounting Questions Over “Special Security”

The FAA has declined to elaborate on the nature of the “special security reasons.” The lack of transparency has fueled intense speculation among aviation experts and local leaders.

“I have never heard of an American airspace being shut down for 10 days absent a major emergency,” said Texas State Rep. Vincent Perez. “To do this on such short notice without a clear explanation to the public is extraordinary.”

The closure comes during a period of heightened tension along the border, though federal authorities have not linked the grounding to any specific threat or law enforcement operation. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso) confirmed Wednesday morning that her office is in urgent communication with the Department of Transportation, seeking a justification for the massive regional disruption.

Chaos for Travelers and Commerce

The timing of the shutdown is particularly painful for the region’s economy. El Paso International serves nearly 4 million passengers annually and is a vital hub for Southwest, American, and United Airlines.

• Commercial Impact: More than 1,200 flights are expected to be canceled or diverted over the 10-day window.
• Alternative Routes: Travelers are being urged to seek transport through Albuquerque, New Mexico (270 miles away), or Tucson, Arizona (320 miles away).
• Cargo & Military: The shutdown also affects critical cargo shipments and logistics for neighboring Fort Bliss, one of the U.S. Army’s largest installations.

Conflicting Information and “Runway” Myths

Despite rumors and some initial reports suggesting the closure was for a $42 million runway reconstruction project, airport records and the FAA’s own “National Defense” classification contradict this. The primary commercial runway at ELP is 8R-26L, while the smaller 8L-26R runway—which some had claimed was the cause of the closure—has not been authorized for major commercial jet carriers for several years.

Furthermore, the official cited in some reports as the Airport Director, Sam Rodríguez, actually departed El Paso in 2024 to take a development role at San Antonio International Airport. Current airport staff confirmed they were as surprised by the FAA mandate as the public.

Looking Toward February 20

The FAA has indicated the restriction will remain in place until 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2026, unless “modified or rescinded.” As of Wednesday morning, the airport terminal remained open but largely deserted, with airline staff assisting a handful of stranded passengers who were caught in the late-night grounding.

“We are pending additional guidance from the FAA,” the airport said in a brief social media statement. “We encourage all travelers to contact their airlines directly for rebooking options.”