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

Effective: 11:30 p.m. MT Tuesday to 11:30 p.m. MT February 20
Scope: 10‑nautical‑mile radius around El Paso International Airport, up to 17,000 ft altitude, covering most of El Paso County and stretching from the Mexican border north to Organ Mountains‑Desert Peak National Monument.

Key Points

• Rapid Deployment: The ban was announced and implemented within hours, with El Paso International Airport flights canceled immediately upon receipt of the notice.
• Broad Coverage: Applies to all flight types—commercial jets, medevac helicopters, and private aircraft.
• Enforcement: Ignoring the restriction may lead to interception, detention, or lethal force if deemed a threat.
• Comparative Rarity: Last similar action occurred after 9/11; this is the first major closure in over two decades.
• Unspecified Threat: FAA did not disclose specific details; sources say operators follow instructions without full context.
• Exclusions: Mexican airspace and Santa Teresa airport remain unaffected.