Federal Aviation Administration Cites “Special Security Reasons” In Unprecedented Temporary Flight Restriction Impacting Travelers & Commerce
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:45 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a sweeping and highly unusual order halting all flights into and out of El Paso, Texas, for a period of 10 consecutive days, citing what the agency described only as “special security reasons.”
The temporary flight restriction (TFR), issued through a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), took effect at 11:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on February 10, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in force until 11:30 p.m. MST on February 20, 2026. During that time, no commercial, cargo, or general aviation flights will be permitted to arrive at or depart from El Paso International Airport.
Scope Of The Restriction;
According to the FAA notice, the order also establishes a restricted airspace radius of approximately 10 nautical miles surrounding the airport, extending into parts of southern New Mexico, including areas near Santa Teresa. Pilots are warned that unauthorized aircraft entering the restricted zone may be intercepted or subject to law enforcement action.
El Paso International Airport confirmed the suspension late Tuesday night and urged passengers to contact their airlines directly regarding cancellations, refunds, and rebooking options. Airport officials said they are awaiting further direction from federal authorities.
Major U.S. carriers that regularly serve the region, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, were notified of the restriction and immediately began managing widespread cancellations affecting thousands of passengers.
Limited Public Explanation;
The FAA has not publicly disclosed the nature of the specific security concern that prompted the shutdown, offering only the general explanation of “special security reasons.” No additional briefing or clarification has been provided by the agency.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to elaborate, citing ongoing security considerations. Local airport officials similarly said they had received no detailed threat assessment beyond the formal FAA directive.
El Paso’s location along the U.S.–Mexico border, directly across from Ciudad Juárez, and its proximity to Fort Bliss, one of the largest U.S. Army installations in the country, have drawn attention from security analysts. However, no federal agency has confirmed whether those factors are directly related to the current flight suspension.
Impact On Travelers And Commerce;
The shutdown represents a major disruption for the West Texas and southern New Mexico region, where El Paso International Airport serves as a primary transportation hub.
In 2025, the airport handled nearly 3.5 million passengers and supported both passenger travel and commercial cargo operations. With flights grounded, business travel, tourism, freight logistics, and regional supply chains are expected to face significant short-term strain.
Passengers scheduled to travel during the restriction period were notified of cancellations late Tuesday evening, leaving many scrambling to reroute through distant airports such as Albuquerque, Phoenix, or Dallas. Airlines have advised customers to monitor carrier communications closely for updated travel options.
A Rare Federal Action;
While temporary flight restrictions are not uncommon in U.S. aviation, often imposed during natural disasters, presidential travel, or major public events, a complete multi-day closure of an international airport is rare.
Aviation experts note that most security-related TFRs are narrow in scope or limited in duration, making the FAA’s 10-day halt particularly notable. Federal authorities have emphasized that the measure is temporary and will be reassessed as conditions evolve.
What Comes Next;
The FAA has indicated that the restriction will remain in place for the full 10-day period unless it is modified or lifted earlier by a subsequent NOTAM. Travelers are encouraged to rely only on official FAA updates and direct airline communications rather than speculation circulating on social media.
Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor federal announcements and provide updates should additional information be released.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and is based on verified FAA notices and reporting from multiple national news organizations. As of publication, federal authorities have not released specific details explaining the “special security reasons” cited for the temporary flight restriction. Englebrook Independent News will update this report as confirmed information becomes available.
