UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an urgent order halting all flights over El Paso, Texas, and parts of New Mexico for the next 10 days. In a shocking announcement, the FAA warned that the U.S. government “may use deadly force” against any aircraft that fails to comply with this directive.
The new restrictions come as authorities assess an “imminent security threat,” prompting a stark warning that non-compliant pilots “MAY BE INTERCEPTED, DETAINED, AND INTERVIEWED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY PERSONNEL.” This unprecedented move has raised alarms, with Robert Moore, founder and CEO of El Paso Matters, stating, “we’ve never seen anything like this here at least since 9/11, when everything was grounded.”
Reports from air traffic control indicate that not even medical evacuation flights are permitted in the restricted airspace. This decision has left many travelers and airline operators in a state of confusion and concern. The El Paso city government confirmed that the FAA’s order was issued “on short notice,” urging travelers to check with their airlines for the latest updates on their flight statuses.
The restricted airspace does not extend into Mexico, according to FAA officials, who have declined to comment further beyond the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) already issued. El Paso, home to nearly 700,000 residents, ranks among the 25 largest cities in the U.S. Last year, 3.5 million passengers passed through El Paso International Airport in the first 11 months alone.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as the FAA continues to monitor potential threats in the area. Citizens and travelers alike are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed as developments unfold.
As this situation evolves, key stakeholders will be watching closely for any further announcements from the FAA or local authorities. The implications of this flight ban are significant, impacting not just the immediate region, but also the broader air travel landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this breaking news story.
