For the first time since the 9/11 attacks, airspace over a major US city has been closed for an extended period of time for security reasons. All flights to and from El Paso airport in Texas are halted for 10 days for 'special security reasons,' FAA says.
The restriction for the airspace over El Paso and the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico came in at 6:30 a.m. UTC, or coordinated universal time (11:30 p.m. ET). It will end at the same time on Feb. 21.
The airport confirmed the development in a travel advisory issued on social media, saying that all flights “including commercial, cargo and general aviation” were grounded.
The FAA has issued a NOTAM halting all flight operations at El Paso International Airport (ELP/KELP) for 10 days.
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 11, 2026
The reason given is “Temporary flight restrictions for special security reasons.” pic.twitter.com/H7NWZ3KnBp
I have begun reaching out for details and am awaiting further info, but one person I spoke with told me “All air traffic has been halted in a 10 nautical mile range around the airport, so encompassing El Paso and Fort Bliss, from the ground to 17,000 feet. So no aircraft in or out, regardless of what they are, whether it’s air carriers, military, medevac helicopters, law enforcement. Nobody can fly as this thing is written up,” the person said.
The area closed also includes a large area of southern New Mexico west of San Teresa, from the Mexican border on the south to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument to the north
El Paso is the closest point to Juarez Mexico home of the Juarez Drug Cartel. Perhaps the US Government intends to go after them?
Apparently the Juarez Cartel is using Drones to deliver drugs around El Paso.
There were reports last fall that Cartel Gunmen were in Ukraine training on Drones, and they have been used recently in Cartel gun battles.
Due to its geographic location, El Paso is a major transit point between Mexico and the United States. The city’s proximity to Ciudad Juárez, one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico, raises concerns. Cross-border criminal activities, particularly at night, can affect the overall safety in certain parts of El Paso.
There is also rumor of Iran Sleeper Cell(s) armed with Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.
UPDATE 9:34 AM EST --
The airspace above a SECOND U.S. city has now also been closed. The Federal Aviation Administration has closed air space in and around NEW ORLEANS for five (5) days for "special security reasons."
This second closure could be related to Mardi Gras, which is on February 17, but why five days air space closure?
UPDATE 9:55 AM EST --
The El Paso flight ban was driven by military operations from Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss. The FAA acted after the Defense Department could not assure civilian flight safety.
The military tracked "Drug Cartel Drone incursions" and decided it required the use of military Anti-Drone Technology. Using that technology could have downed actual large aircraft, so the military told the FAA to close the air space! ! ! !
Because the Military is finished with its operation THE FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED. Air traffic can resume as normal for El Paso.
Hal Turner Commentary
So now the people of the United States are being adversely affected by Drug Cartel DRONES ????? It's not bad enough these Cartels are causing the actual death of Americans with their poison products?
This has gone way too far, and for far too long. I earnestly hope the federal government orders the US military to attack the drug cartels inside Mexico and smash them out of existence.
Mexico cannot claim they have "Sovereignty" when they cannot even prevent their criminals from sending drones into our country. Mexico's sovereignty may have to be forfeited - or held in abeyance -- at least until this problem is eradicated.
