Category: Aviation

In a dramatic turnaround, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rescinded its temporary closure of the airspace over El Paso International Airport, allowing all flights to resume just hours after announcing a 10-day ban that had been expected to last through Feb. 20.

The initial restriction, issued late Tuesday, Feb. 10, would have grounded commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights into and out of El Paso, as well as nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, under what the FAA described as “special security reasons.” That order came with little explanation and caught local officials, travelers, and airlines off guard.

However, in a Wednesday morning update, the FAA said the temporary flight restriction has been lifted and normal flight operations will resume. The agency noted there was no ongoing threat to commercial aviation — a key point that helped clear the way for jets to return to the skies over the border city.

According to some reports citing anonymous U.S. officials, the original closure was tied to unmanned aircraft activity near the border, at one point described by an official as drones allegedly operated by Mexican cartel elements entering U.S. airspace — though details remain limited and unconfirmed by the FAA publicly. After authorities addressed or reassessed the situation, regulators concluded that commercial flights could safely resume.

The sudden reversal relieved concerns among travelers and local leaders who had questioned the lack of warning and transparency around the original decision. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar had urged the FAA to lift the ban quickly, noting there was no evidence of imminent danger to the public.

Airlines that serve El Paso — including Southwest, United, American, and Delta — are expected to restore normal schedules, but passengers are advised to check with carriers for the latest flight status updates.

In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight restriction that halts all flights into and out of El Paso International Airport and surrounding airspace through Friday, February 20. The order, effective from 11:30 p.m. MST on Tuesday, February 10, covers commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations and also extends into nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

The FAA’s notice classifies the region as restricted airspace for “special security reasons,” but the agency has provided no detailed public explanation of what those reasons are. Officials have described the restriction as a “temporary flight restriction” and have not disclosed any specific threat or event that prompted the decision.

Airlines including Southwest, American, United, and Delta have canceled or suspended service in compliance with the FAA’s order, and travelers are being urged to contact carriers for the latest flight status information.

The restriction applies within a 10 nautical mile radius around the airport from the surface up to nearly 18,000 feet, and pilots are barred from operating in the area unless specifically authorized. Notices warn that aircraft violating the ban could be intercepted or detained, and in rare circumstances, force could be used if an aircraft is deemed an imminent threat.

El Paso International Airport — a key travel and commerce gateway for the region — serves roughly 3.5–4 million passengers a year and is a vital link for West Texas, southern New Mexico, and cross-border travel to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

Local and federal officials have so far not publicly detailed the underlying security concerns that led to this extended airspace closure, leaving significant uncertainty for travelers, airlines, and businesses affected by the disruption.

ICAO member states have adopted a strengthened global aviation safety and security framework designed to address emerging risks and accelerate progress toward zero fatalities. The updated plans—endorsed during the ICAO Assembly—include the 2026–2028 Global Aviation Safety Plan, the latest Global Air Navigation Plan, and the Second Edition of the Global Aviation Security Plan.

Key measures focus on mitigating conflict‑zone risks, countering GNSS interference, enhancing cybersecurity resilience, and establishing new AI‑driven aviation security strategies. The Assembly also emphasized the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, alongside reinforced oversight and audit programmes to ensure consistent global implementation.

ICAO enhances global aviation safety and security framework

Disease control has been stepped up at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, recently. The Thai airports are screening travelers from West Bengal in India where there is a confirmed outbreak of the deadly disease related to the Nipah virus. 

Thai officials say the three major airports had begun enhanced screening for inbound passengers, particularly those arriving from West Bengal.

The procedures include temperature checks and on‑site assessment of passengers showing signs of illness. Travelers found with high fever or symptoms that may indicate Nipah infection will be transferred to quarantine facilities official reports say.

Screeners with arrivals from West Bengal are also being told to watch for symptoms which include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, confusion and seizures. 

Miami International Airport was evacuated after a “suspicious item” was left at the terminal on Sunday evening, according to reports. Around 5 p.m., the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MSDO) said they responded to the airport after receiving a report of unattended luggage at Door 21 of the South Terminal on the Departures level of the airport. Upon arrival, deputies identified the luggage and, out of an abundance of caution, evacuated everyone in the area, MDSO told CBS News Miami.MIA Spokesperson Greg Chin confirmed the incident and said the TSA checkpoints for Concourses G, H and J, along with
the curbside roadway, were evacuated and closed off. This caused traffic in the area. MDSO’s Bomb Squad was brought to the scene and investigated the situation. MDSO said in a later update that the Bomb Squad gave the all-clear around 7:40 p.m. and that the airport has resumed normal operations at that time.