EL PASO, Texas (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will close the airspace around El Paso International Airport for a duration of 10 days, grounding all flights to and from the airport for what it termed 'special security reasons.' While the FAA provided limited details regarding the nature of these security measures, the airport will be closed to all forms of aviation, including commercial, cargo, and general flights. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines for the latest flight updates.

The closure, set to take place from late Tuesday until late Feb. 20, is likely to cause considerable disturbances not only for passengers but also for the broader El Paso community, which has a population of nearly 700,000. The airport serves as a key hub for cross-border commerce, connecting the United States and Mexico, particularly with its proximity to Ciudad Juarez.

El Paso International Airport prides itself on being the gateway to west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico. Major airlines such as Southwest, United, American, and Delta operate flights from this significant travel hub.