FAA Reopens El Paso Airspace; Flights Resume Immediately
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reopened the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas. This decision came early Wednesday morning, following a brief closure that would have grounded all flights for ten days. The FAA announced on social media that the temporary airspace restrictions were lifted, citing no ongoing threat to commercial aviation.
Details of the Airspace Reopening
Previously, the FAA declared a shutdown for “special security reasons,” which could have caused significant disruption in a major metropolitan area. El Paso, with nearly 700,000 residents, serves as a vital hub for cross-border trade, especially with Ciudad Juarez in Mexico. Importantly, this brief closure did not affect Mexican airspace.
Impact on Flights
Following the initial announcement, the airport indicated that all flights—commercial, cargo, and general aviation—would be suspended from late Tuesday until late February 20. Passengers were encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
Community Response
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who represents El Paso, expressed her concern regarding the abrupt decision. In her statement, she highlighted the lack of prior notice to her office, the city, or the airport operations. Escobar emphasized the unprecedented nature of the FAA’s decision and stated, “There is no immediate threat to the community or surrounding areas.”
Airlines Affected
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
Southwest Airlines confirmed that it had halted all operations to and from El Paso based on FAA directives. The airline stated, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees.” Similar flight restrictions were also applied near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, about 24 kilometers northwest of the El Paso airport.
El Paso International Airport is considered the gateway to west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico, further underscoring its significance to the region’s transportation and commerce.
