US - FAA closes El Paso, Texas airport for 10 days over security concerns - 10 nautical miles out - February 11, 2026 - rescinded after a few hours

[sharon sanders]

NOTAM Number : FDC 6/2233 Issue Date : February 11, 2026 at 0332 UTC Location : EL PASO, Texas near EL PASO VORTAC (ELP) Beginning Date and Time : February 11, 2026 at 0630 UTC Ending Date and Time : February 21, 2026 at 0630 UTC Reason for NOTAM : Temporary flight restrictions for Special Security Reasons Type : Security Replaced NOTAM(s) : N/A Affected Area(s) Airspace Definition: Center: On the EL PASO VORTAC (ELP) 252 degree radial at 4.9 nautical miles. (Latitude: 31º48'26"N, Longitude: 106º22'35"W) Radius: 10 nautical miles Altitude: From the surface up to and including 17999 feet MSL Effective Date(s): From February 11, 2026 at 0630 UTC (February 10, 2026 at 2330 MST) To February 21, 2026 at 0630 UTC (February 20, 2026 at 2330 MST)

Operating Restrictions and Requirements No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described). EXCLUDING MEXICAN AIRSPACE. THE SYSTEM OPERATION SUPPORT CENTER (SOSC), TEL 202-267-8276, IS THE POINT OF CONTACT. Other Information: ARTCC: ZAB - Albuquerque Center Authority: Title 14 CFR section 99.7

https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_2233

[sharon sanders]

Here is a screen shot of the area at above link....looks like 10 nautical miles out includes part of Mexico while the notice says Mexico airspace is not included so...?

[sharon sanders]

Took a full screenshot as of the time on this post... at the link in post 1:

[sharon sanders]

To give an idea of the effect of closing the airport for 10 days....

The US - El Paso, Texas crossing is the 2nd largest non-commercial land crossing for US/Mexico and it is the 3rd largest commercial crossing.

https://www.utep.edu/hunt-institute/resources/files/fact%20sheets/bordercrossings_2023_web.pdf

[Commonground]

Drones don't need to fly in the aviation airspace....

[Commonground]

The FAA ✈️

@FAANews
8m
The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.

https://x.com/FAANews/status/2021583720465969421

[Commonground]

Secretary Sean Duffy

@SecDuffy
·
3h
The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming.

https://x.com/SecDuffy/status/2021594420806639787