El Paso Flights Grounded After Surprise National Defense Order

The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed a 10-day flight restriction over El Paso, Texas, citing “special security reasons,” according to a notice to pilots and reporting from Axios and The New York Times.

The temporary flight restriction creates a 10-mile no-fly zone that includes El Paso International Airport, effectively grounding commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights.

GROUNDED: The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas for the next 10 days.

The government has classified the area as "national defense airspace," and the notification states that deadly force could be used against… pic.twitter.com/CJiO7ZCF8S

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 11, 2026

The FAA classified the zone as national defense airspace and warned that deadly force may be used against aircraft that violate the restriction.

Local officials said they were caught off guard. El Paso City Representative Chris Canales stated that neither civilian nor military leaders received advance notice. Even Biggs Army Airfield falls within the restricted area.

While the FAA routinely issues temporary flight restrictions for events such as major sporting games, a prolonged shutdown over a major American city without detailed explanation is unusual. The restriction can be lifted early at the agency’s discretion.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff