EL PASO, TEXAS — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation.
The restriction is effective from Feb. 10 at 11:30 p.m. to Feb. 20 at 11:30 p.m.
The FAA’s decision, which also affects the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, N.M., appears to be security-related.
According to El Paso International Airport staff are awaiting further guidance from the FAA.
Here is a statement on behalf of the El Paso International Airport:
“The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, NM. The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST). Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance. In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status.”
Congresswoman Escobar provided the following statement:
“The highly consequential decision by the FAA to shut down the El Paso Airport for 10 days is unprecedented and resulted in significant concern in the community. From what my office and I have been able to gather overnight and early this morning, there is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas.
“There was no advance notice provided to my office, the City of El Paso, or anyone involved in airport operations.
“We have urged the FAA to immediately lift the Temporary Flight Restrictions placed on the El Paso area.
“I will continue to make information public as I learn it.”
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Travelers are advised to contact their airlines for the most up-to-date flight status information.
National Headline
