El Paso, Texas – February 11, 2026 — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a complete and unprecedented 10-day suspension of all commercial and general aviation flights to and from El Paso International Airport (ELP) in Texas, effective immediately, citing an ongoing and credible national security threat.
The sweeping measure, which halts all takeoffs and landings at the major border-region airport, marks one of the most extensive operational shutdowns of a U.S. commercial airport in recent history. The FAA issued the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) shortly after 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, directing airlines, private operators, and air traffic control to reroute or cancel all flights scheduled to or from ELP through February 21, 2026.
In an official statement, the FAA said the decision was made “in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal partners following the identification of a credible and specific security threat to the airport and its operations.” The agency did not publicly disclose the exact nature of the threat, citing ongoing investigations and national security concerns, but emphasised that the measure is precautionary and aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, airport personnel, and the surrounding community.
El Paso International Airport, located just minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border, serves as a key regional hub for Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and several smaller carriers. It handles approximately 4 million passengers annually and supports significant cross-border travel, cargo operations, and military-related flights due to its proximity to Fort Bliss, one of the largest U.S. Army installations.
Airlines began issuing mass cancellations and rebooking notifications within minutes of the NOTAM being published. Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of flights at ELP, announced it was re-accommodating affected passengers on flights to and from nearby airports including Las Cruces International Airport (New Mexico), Midland International Air and Space Port (Texas), and Albuquerque International Sunport (New Mexico). American Airlines and other carriers issued similar statements, offering waivers for change fees and flexible rebooking options.
Passengers already at the airport were informed of the shutdown through public address announcements and gate agents. Airport officials established dedicated assistance desks and worked with airlines to arrange ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and meal vouchers for stranded travellers. El Paso city authorities activated emergency operations protocols to support affected individuals and maintain order at the terminal.
The TSA immediately heightened security screening procedures at nearby airports and along land border crossings in the region, while the FBI and DHS confirmed that multi-agency investigative teams are actively working to identify, assess, and mitigate the threat. No arrests or specific persons of interest have been publicly identified at this time.
Local leaders, including El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, issued statements expressing support for the FAA’s decision while urging calm among residents. “The safety of our citizens and visitors is the top priority,” Mayor Leeser said. “We are working closely with federal partners and will keep the public informed as more information becomes available.”
The 10-day grounding is expected to have significant economic repercussions for the El Paso region, which relies heavily on air travel for tourism, business, and family visits across the border. Business groups and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce have called for swift resolution of the threat to minimise disruption.
This is not the first time a U.S. airport has faced a prolonged shutdown due to security concerns, though such extended closures are rare. Notable precedents include temporary closures following the September 11, 2001 attacks and shorter ground stops at individual airports due to bomb threats or active shooter incidents. A 10-day suspension, however, represents an extraordinary measure and underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the current threat.
The FAA has advised passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status and rebooking information. General aviation operators and cargo carriers have also been instructed to seek alternative airports until the NOTAM is lifted. Updates will be provided through official channels, including the FAA’s website, the El Paso International Airport website, and DHS alerts.
As the investigation continues, federal, state, and local agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. No additional airports have been affected at this time, and nationwide air travel continues normally outside the El Paso region.
The full scope and origin of the security threat remain under wraps, with officials emphasising that the precautionary shutdown is intended to prevent any potential harm while law enforcement works to resolve the situation.
