Airspace Shutdown: El Paso and New Mexico Fly‑Free for Ten Days

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a sudden 10‑day ban on all aircraft over El Paso and a large part of southern New Mexico. The order began at 11:30 p. m. Mountain Time on Tuesday and will lift at the same time on February 20. Pilots are warned that ignoring the restriction could lead to interception, detention or even lethal force if the aircraft is deemed a threat. The notices were issued under the heading “National Defense Airspace” and are intended for all types of flight, from commercial jets to medevac helicopters. El Paso officials received the notice early Wednesday and immediately canceled every flight at El Paso International Airport. Airlines have been told to advise passengers, who are urged to check with their carriers for updates.Such a wide‑area closure is rare; the last comparable action occurred after September 11, 2001. The restriction covers a 10‑nautical‑mile radius around the airport, extending up to 17, 000 feet. It also spans most of El Paso County and stretches from the Mexican border north to the Organ Mountains‑Desert Peak National Monument. The FAA’s Special Operations Support Center provided a phone number for inquiries, but officials have not yet explained the specific threat. One unnamed FAA source said they simply follow instructions without knowing the details. The closure does not affect Mexican airspace, nor does it include the nearby Santa Teresa airport. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.