The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted a surprise 10-day closure of the airspace around El Paso International Airport, initially citing 'special security reasons' for the shutdown. According to The Guardian, the closure was abruptly announced and was set to last until February 20, 2026, affecting all flights, including commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. The FAA had declared the area as national defense airspace, and officials warned that 'deadly force' could be used against any unauthorized aircraft perceived as a threat, as reported by Hum News. The closure was a rare move, with CNN noting that such measures have not been taken since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, indicating the severity of the perceived threat.