POLITICS

FAA Grounds El Paso Flights for Ten Days

PUBLISHED Feb 11, 2026, 5:35 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

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.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

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.

Who Impacted

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.