FAA halts all flights at El Paso airport in Texas for 10 days, citing "security reasons"

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on late Tuesday halted all flights to and from El Paso International Airport in the state of Texas for 10 days, citing unspecified "special security reasons."

The FAA notices said the restriction will be in effect through Feb. 20, covering the airspace over El Paso and the nearby community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

The agency did not provide details on the security reasons behind the move.

El Paso International Airport confirmed on social media that all flights have been grounded since the restriction went into effect at 11:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday (0630 GMT on Wednesday). Travelers have been told to contact their airlines for flight status updates.

The airport said the restriction was issued with little advance notice, and airport staff are awaiting further guidance from the FAA.