00:02A major disruption is unfolding in the American skies.
00:05As of late Tuesday, February 10th, the Federal Aviation Administration has abruptly closed
00:09the airspace over El Paso International Airport.
00:12This 10-day shutdown, effective until February 20th, has grounded all commercial cargo and
00:17private flights.
00:18The reasons simply cited as special security reasons.
00:22Welcome to Fiscal Point.
00:23Today we examine the details of this rare FAA order and the impact on the region's economy.
00:29The FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, creating a 10 nautical mile no-fly zone
00:35around El Paso, extending up to 18,000 feet.
00:39This restriction effectively cuts off air travel for one of Texas' largest cities.
00:44Local officials including airport management and even military leadership at nearby Fort
00:48Bliss were reportedly given very little advance notice.
00:52While the order covers U.S. airspace, it does not currently affect flights within Mexican
00:56territory across the border.
00:59From a fiscal perspective, El Paso International is a vital hub, handling millions of passengers
01:05annually and serving as a gateway for cross-border commerce.
01:08A 10-day grounding of cargo and commercial aviation will have a massive ripple effect on local supply
01:14chains and the hospitality industry.
01:16Major carriers like Southwest, American and United have already begun cancelling flights,
01:21leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
01:23The National Defense Airspace designation is rarely used for commercial airports outside
01:28of extreme emergencies.
01:29Analysts are looking at various factors from border security operations to technical upgrades
01:34in the regional defense grid.
01:35However, without a formal explanation from the FAA, the move has left aviation experts puzzled.
01:40The FAA has warned that unauthorized aircraft entering this zone may be intercepted or detained.
01:46As this situation develops, the focus remains on when the skies will reopen and what prompted
01:51such a drastic measure.
01:52For now, travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly.
01:55What do you think is behind this unprecedented shutdown?
01:57Let us know in the comments.
01:59I'm for Fiscal Point.
02:00Stay tuned as we follow the numbers and the news shaping our world.
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