The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has shut down El Paso International Airport in Texas for 10 days, citing “special security reasons”. The restriction, effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30 PM (MST), affects all flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation. The FAA hasn’t provided further details on the security concerns, leaving travelers and local businesses uncertain.
The airport, serving over 4 million passengers annually, is a major hub for airlines like Southwest, Delta, United, and American Airlines. The shutdown has prompted airlines to issue travel waivers and flexible rebooking options for affected passengers.US Rep. Veronica Escobar described the decision as “unprecedented” and urged the FAA to lift the restrictions, while local officials estimate the economic impact could be $40-50 million.
