• The FAA has grounded all flights to and from El Paso International Airport for 10 days.
• This closure is due to "special security reasons," details of which have not been disclosed.
• The restrictions are in effect from late February 10 until February 20.
• Approximately 100 flights per day are typically scheduled to El Paso.
• The airspace restriction covers a 10-nautical-mile radius around the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has halted all flights into and out of El Paso International Airport for a duration of 10 days, effective from late February 10, due to "special security reasons." Specifics regarding these reasons have not been disclosed. The restrictions apply not only to commercial flights but also to cargo and general aviation, as noted by the airport's travel advisory, which urges travelers to contact their airlines for the latest updates according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

The FAA's flight restrictions, which were announced on February 11, encompass a 10-nautical-mile radius around El Paso, extending upwards of 17,999 feet. This significant measure is unusual, as pointed out by Texas State Representative Vincent Perez, who expressed concern about the lack of information surrounding such a prolonged airspace closure, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

This airspace closure, which also affects sectors extending into parts of southern New Mexico, has the potential to disrupt travel significantly, particularly in a city like El Paso, which serves as a hub for cross-border commerce with Ciudad Juarez. El Paso International Airport usually handles about 100 flights daily, and major US airlines are involved in operations there, highlighting the wide-reaching ramifications of this measure according to Business Insider and CBS News.