El Paso International Airport in Texas has been temporarily shut down due to 'special security measures'. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed these restrictions, which will last until February 20th, covering all flights to and from the airport. The skies around the airport have been designated as 'NTL defense airspace', according to local news site El Paso Matters. This means that pilots who do not comply with the restrictions 'may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement'. The US government has also warned that it may use 'deadly force' against aircraft deemed to pose an 'imminent security threat'. The no-fly zone, centred around the airport, has a radius of 10 miles and covers the nearby Biggs Army Airfield, according to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) posted on the FAA website. El Paso International Airport, located just four miles from the Mexican border, is a major hub, serving over four million passengers in 2024. The airport's closure is a significant disruption to travel plans, and further details will be provided as the situation develops. Sky News will provide updates on breaking news via its app, WhatsApp channel, and YouTube channel.
