US airport grounds all flights for 10 days over security threat

An airport in Texas has grounded all flights due to a national security threat. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted all flights to and from El Paso International Airport. 

The restriction is in effect from February 10 at 11.30pm to February 20 at 11.30pm. 

The FAA confirmed the airspace was now defined as “national defence airspace”, warning pilots if they do not adhere to the new restrictions they will be detained. 

A notice read: “The United States Government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft if it is determined that is poses an imminent security threat.” 

El Paso airport said: “The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighboring community, Santa Teresa, NM. 

“The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST). 

“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.”