US aviation regulator rescinds closure of El Paso airspace
The FAA lifted its temporary closure of El Paso airspace, confirming no threats to commercial aviation or local residents.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the lifting of a temporary closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas, which had been implemented for security reasons. The FAA disclosed that the closure was initially intended to halt all flights to and from El Paso International Airport for ten days, starting from 11:30 PM local time. However, following assessments, they determined that there were no threats to commercial aviation or the local community, allowing operations to resume as normal.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who represents El Paso, affirmed that there was no direct threat to residents, stating that information gathered by her office indicated the community was not at risk. Escobar's announcement reassured local citizens, suggesting that the rapid response and communication from federal authorities helped to mitigate public concern during the temporary closure.
The FAA's initial decision was prompted by unspecified security concerns, which raised alarms about potential dangers in the area. The immediate resumption of flights reflects a return to normalcy for El Paso and indicates a careful balance between security measures and the need for air travel continuity in the region. The incident serves to highlight the FAA's responsiveness to security threats while also demonstrating the importance of clear communication with local officials and the public.