El Paso Airport. Photo: Shutterstock 10-Day Closure: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a special announcement regarding the complete shutdown of the airspace over El Paso, Texas, as well as over a large area in southern New Mexico, west of Santa Teresa, until February 20, 2026.
Following the decision, El Paso International Airport was closed to all flights, the city said. This move could cause significant disruptions in the city, which is among the largest in the United States.
According to the official announcement, the air blockade went into effect last night (February 10) at 11:30 PM local time, and will end at the same time on February 20.
The NOTAM stated that the airspace was designated as "NTL defense airspace". It also stated that pilots who do not comply with the instructions may be intercepted, detained, and questioned by law enforcement and security officials.
It was also noted that the US government may take additional measures against guideline violators, including criminal penalties. The announcement also included a warning that if an aircraft is deemed an immediate security threat, the government may use force, all without specifying the reasons for closing the airspace beyond the definition of "national security."