All flights grounded for 10 days at US airport over safety fears
An airport in Texas has now grounded all flights for 10 days following a national security threat.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso International Airport.
This will stop all flights in or out of the hub from February 10 at 11.30pm (MST) to February 20 at 11.30pm.
The motivation for the decision has been described as ‘special security reasons’.
The FAA has now classified the airspace as ‘national defence airspace’.
It said that ‘pilots who do not adhere’ to the limitations will be detained.
It added: ‘The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft if it is determined that is poses an imminent security threat.’
El Paso International Airport said: ‘The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Flights to and from El Paso International Airport have been halted for 10 days
‘The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation).
‘Airport staff have reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance.
‘In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related.
‘Travellers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status.’
El Paso International Airport is the main gateway for West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico.
It is served by airlines such as Southwest, American, Delta, and United.
The notice, known as Notice to Air Missions or NOTAM, is a critical advisory warning for pilots and airspace users.
It’s not the first time a NOTAM has been issued by the US government.
Many US airlines fly to and from El Paso International Airport in Texas
Last November, the US government issued a new warning for the airspace around Venezuela.
It came after Donald Trump dispatched a B-52 nuclear bomber for an ‘attack demo.’
The FAA sent out a NOTAM alerting pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers of a ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in and around Venezuela.
The notice warned of a ‘worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.’
