FAA Grounds El Paso Flights for Ten Days
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El Paso, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration closed airspace over El Paso and southern New Mexico on Tuesday, grounding all commercial, cargo and general aviation flights through Feb. 20. The FAA cited “special security reasons” without elaboration and designated the area as restricted national defense airspace. El Paso International Airport confirmed the groundings, advised passengers to contact airlines, and said staff received short notice while awaiting further FAA guidance. The order covers Biggs Army Airfield nearby. Major carriers including Southwest, United, American and Delta operate at the airport and face schedule disruptions. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Feb. 10/11, 2026: FAA posts temporary flight restriction effective 11:30 p.m. local time.
- Feb. 11, 2026: El Paso International Airport confirms all flights grounded and posts advisory.
- Feb. 11–12, 2026: Media report that FAA cited 'special security reasons' and designated area as restricted/national defense airspace.
- Feb. 12, 2026: Reports note inclusion of nearby military airfields (Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss) and impact on carriers.
- Through Feb. 20, 2026: Airlines and airport await further FAA guidance while operations remain suspended.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 6
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
National defense authorities and military units operating in the restricted area gained exclusive operational control of the airspace during the 10-day restriction, as reflected in the FAA designation and multiple media reports.
Passengers, commercial and cargo airlines, and regional businesses experienced flight cancellations, operational disruptions and potential economic losses due to the 10-day grounding, according to airport statements and news reports.
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FAA Grounds El Paso Flights for Ten Days
english.news.cn Spectrum News Bay News 9 Internewscast Journal http://www.wtol.com Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) https://www.atlantanewsfirst.comFrom Right
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