El Paso, Texas – A sudden 10-day FAA flight halt along the New Mexico–Texas border has grounded all commercial air traffic near one of the most historically significant nuclear sites in the United States.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a Temporary Flight Restriction classifying airspace within a 10-mile radius of El Paso International Airport as national defense airspace. The order stops all commercial, cargo and general aviation operations and impacts Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and United Express.
The restriction took effect early Wednesday. By approximately 2:30 a.m. local time, the airport appeared largely empty. Passengers reported receiving cancellation notices around midnight, halting early morning departures.
While Temporary Flight Restrictions are commonly used for short-term security events or VIP travel, aviation analysts note that a 10-day shutdown affecting a metro commercial airport is highly unusual.
The regional context has intensified public attention. El Paso borders White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. In 1945, the Trinity Test — the first nuclear detonation in world history — was conducted at the northern end of what is now the range.
In October, the Trump administration announced plans to move toward resuming nuclear weapons testing for the first time in approximately 30 years, though no testing location was publicly identified.
Federal officials have not linked the current airspace restriction to activity at White Sands or to any nuclear-related operation. No emergency declaration has been issued, and no direct threat has been publicly identified.
Still, the rare combination of a national defense airspace designation, extended duration and the region’s military history has fueled speculation across the border region.
Authorities say updates will be provided if the Temporary Flight Restriction status changes.
