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FAA Closes El Paso Airspace For 10 Days, Grounds All Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a 10-day shutdown of the airspace surrounding El Paso International Airport (KELP), effectively halting all commercial, cargo, and general aviation traffic through late Feb. 20.

According to the Associated Press, a notice posted on the agency’s website cites “special security reasons” for the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), but offers no additional explanation. The closure applies only to U.S. airspace and does not extend across the border into Mexico.

The FAA said the area has been designated “national defense airspace,” warning that the government may use deadly force against any aircraft determined to pose an imminent security threat.

Airport officials are awaiting further direction from the FAA and are notifying affected carriers. El Paso normally handles roughly 55 departures per day, with service provided primarily by Southwest, American and United, along with other major airlines.

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