Overview
- The FAA issued a Temporary Flight Restriction from 23:30 on Feb. 10 through Feb. 20 over El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, closing the airspace from the surface up to 17,999 feet.
- The NOTAM warns that violators may be intercepted and, in extreme cases, shot down if the aircraft is deemed a security threat.
- El Paso International Airport said all movements are suspended and confirmed multiple diversions after the sudden overnight notice to airmen.
- The order halts commercial, cargo and general aviation flights and also bars medical helicopter operations.
- Cirium data show roughly 960 scheduled flights and about 126,000 seats were planned for Feb. 11–20, and experts describe the measure as unusually severe in the U.S. since post‑9/11.