Pilots and air traffic controllers reacted in real time after the FAA closed the airspace over El Paso.

DALLAS — In the moments after the Federal Aviation Administration announced it would close El Paso’s airspace for the next ten days, flights were immediately impacted, according to air traffic control audio from El Paso International Airport. But just hours after the ground stop was announced, the FAA said the closure was lifted

The FAA closed the airspace around 1 a.m. central time on Wednesday, Feb. 11, citing “special security reasons.” No further explanation for the closure was immediately provided by the FAA or other federal officials. Several hours later, around 8 a.m., the FAA announced that the airspace over El Paso was lifted. 

Pilots flying into El Paso International Airport overnight were surprised to learn about the closure that ended up lasting only a few hours.  Air traffic control audio via LiveATC.net captured the moment air traffic control informed a surprised Southwest pilot about the airspace closure.

“So the airport’s totally closed?” the pilot asked.

“Apparently,” air traffic control responded.

“So for 10 days, you guys are not open?” the pilot asked again.

“Well, maybe, we’ll be here, but no air traffic,” the air traffic controller said.

“OK,” he said, “thanks for that heads up.”

An American Airlines pilot expressed similar surprise, according to air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net

“What is this we’re hearing… about a TFR?” the pilot asked. 

“Say it again,” air traffic control responded. 

“Uh, we heard something about a TFR about no flying. What’s uh, the last guy tried to tell us what was going on, but we were on final,” the pilot said. 

“Oh, yes, there’s a TFR going into effect right now in one hour… and it’s until the 21st, a ground stop basically, um, no air traffic,” the controller responded. 

“Uh, very interesting. OK,” the pilot said.Â