FAA Imposes 10-Day Airspace Closure Over El Paso for Security Reasons

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an unexpected 10-day closure of airspace over El Paso and parts of southern New Mexico, effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM MST until February 20 at 11:30 PM MST. This closure includes El Paso International Airport, halting all flights, which may significantly disrupt travel in the region. The FAA has classified the airspace as 'National Defense Airspace,' warning that non-compliance could lead to interception or other severe measures. This rare action has not been seen since the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, raising concerns about security in the area. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight statuses.

Key Details: • Airspace closure effective from February 10, 11:30 PM MST to February 20, 11:30 PM MST. • All flights at El Paso International Airport are canceled during this period. • Travelers should contact airlines for the latest flight information. • The restricted airspace extends 10 nautical miles around the airport, affecting all aircraft operations.