An “Unprecedented” Move
Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive and president of airline consultancy R.W. Mann and Co., described the shutdown in stark terms.
“This is unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Mann said.
He warned that the temporary flight restrictions were absolute unless airlines secured waivers. Beyond passenger disruptions, aircraft and flight crews could have been stranded.
“The [temporary flight restrictions] are absolute unless the carriers and operators get waivers. Presumably, if they can move the airplanes, they’re going to want to move the crews,” he said.
El Paso’s geographic isolation compounded the logistical headache. The nearest airports with commercial service are hundreds of miles away — Albuquerque, New Mexico, at least a three-and-a-half-hour drive, and Tucson, Arizona, about four-and-a-half hours by car, according to Google Maps.
“El Paso is really remote. There’s nothing convenient that you’re going to be able to fly to as an alternate. You’re talking hours away,” Mann said, noting airlines may have needed to transport crews over land.
