Shutting down airspace for a ten-day period is a rare and extreme measure in aviation, typically reserved for severe threats to safety or national security.
The most recent and significant example occurred on February 11, 2026, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly closed the airspace around El Paso, Texas, and parts of southern New Mexico for 10 days.
Primary Reasons for Long-Term Airspace Shutdowns
Airspace closures of this duration (10 days or more) are generally triggered by one of the following high-level concerns:
Special Security Reasons: The FAA can designate airspace as "National Defense Airspace" for sensitive operations. In the El Paso case, the specific reasons were not initially disclosed, but such orders allow the government to use deadly force against unauthorized aircraft.
National Security Threats: Historically, similar shutdowns (though often shorter) occurred after the 9/11 terror attacks to prevent further threats.
Natural Disasters: Prolonged closures can result from environmental hazards that make flight physically impossible, such as the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption, which closed European airspace for nearly a week due to engine-clogging ash.
Government Shutdowns & Staffing Shortages: Critical shortages of air traffic controllers (often during a federal government shutdown) can force authorities to close portions of airspace or reduce airport capacity to maintain safety.
Active Conflict or War: Airspace is frequently closed indefinitely or for long windows in regions experiencing armed conflict, such as the closure of Ukrainian airspace following Russia's 2022 invasion.
Impact of a 10-Day Closure
A shutdown of this length has cascading effects on global and local logistics:
Grounding of All Flights: This includes commercial, cargo, and general aviation.
Economic Cost: Major disruptions to cross-border commerce and traveler transit.
Strict Enforcement: Pilots who violate these restrictions risk being intercepted, detained, or facing criminal charges.
For those affected by the current restrictions, the El Paso International Airport advises all travelers to contact their airlines directly for rebooking and status updates.
These reports explain the reasons behind the 10-day El Paso airspace shutdown, citing special security concerns and potential national security threats.