Airport in Texas closes, over ‘special security reasons’

El Paso Airport in Texas has been ordered to halt all flights for the next 10 days.

Local newspapers in El Paso and the New York Times cited “special security reasons”.

The restrictions – imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration – for all flights to and from El Paso airport are in place until 20 February, the airport said.

El Paso Matters quoted what it said was the order: “The federal aviation administration (faa) classifies the airspace defined in this notam as ‘ntl defense airspace’. Pilots who do not adhere to the following proc may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.”

“The united states government may use deadly force against the airborne acft, if it is determined that the acft poses an imminent security threat,” the notice added.

In 2024, more than four million passengers used the airport.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.