Order To Halt All Flights In El Paso Airport For 'Special Security Reasons' Is The First Such Notice Since 9/11, Local Outlet CEO Says

The Federal Aviation Administration's order to close the airspace over El Paso and a part of New Mexico for "Special Security Reasons" the first such notice since immediately after 9/11, according to the CEO of a local outlet.

Robert Moore, founder and CEO of El Paso Matters, told CNN "we've never since anything like this here at least since 9/11, when everything was grounded."

The order in question is set to extend for 10 days and closes off all air travel in the area. The FAA informed that pilots who don't adhere "MAY BE INTERCEPTED, DETAINED AND INTERVIEWED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY PERSONNEL."

"THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MAY USE DEADLY FORCE AGAINST THE AIRBORNE ACFT, IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE ACFT POSES AN IMMINENT SECURITY THREAT," it adds.

The El Paso city government reacted with a statement, saying the FAA issued the order "on short notice."

"Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance. In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status," it adds.

The restricted airspace doesn't go into Mexico, the FAA clarified. Agency spokespeople told NBC News that they could not comment beyond the NOTAM already issued.

CNN, on its end, cited an air-traffic controller who could be heard telling flight crews that "not even medevac are allowed to fly."

El paso has a population of almost 700,000 people and it's among the 25 largest in the country. About 3.5 million people passed through its airport in the first 11 months of 2025, according to its website.

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