The Federal Aviation Administration has closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, for 10 days amid “special security” concerns.
The restriction, which came into force at 11.30 p.m. Tuesday local time (1.30 a.m. ET), impacts flights to and taking off from El Paso International Airport, and it will be in place until Feb. 20.
“All flights to and from El Paso are grounded, including commercial, cargo and general aviation,” the airport wrote on Instagram. “Travelers should contact their airlines to get most up-to-date flight status information.”
El Paso airport describes itself as the gateway to West Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
FAA officials said the restrictions are in place for special security reasons.
Chris Canales, an El Paso city representative, claimed officials did not receive advance notice about the pending restrictions.
“We’re all trying to work out why this crazy NOTAM was issued by the FAA,” Canales wrote on Reddit.
“It isn’t a typo or error. FAA issued this NOTAM intentionally as written. Nobody local got advance notice – neither civilian nor military leadership.
“Military does not have cart blanche exemption. Army seems to be fretting about their flights tomorrow just as much as everyone else. Local air traffic controllers didn’t get advance notice.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.