Passenger Rights and Airline Response
Travelers whose flights were affected are entitled to full refunds if they choose not to travel. Airlines are expected to attempt to reaccommodate customers, though options are limited given the region’s distance from other major hubs.
Southwest Airlines acknowledged the disruption in a statement to USA TODAY.
“At the direction of the FAA, Southwest has paused all operations to and from El Paso International Airport. We have notified affected Customers and will share additional information as it becomes available. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees,” the airline said.
The carrier did not detail how passengers would be rebooked. Other airlines serving El Paso did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
By Wednesday morning, as the FAA reopens El Paso airport and aircraft engines roar back to life, questions still hover in the desert air. The skies are clear again — but the episode leaves behind a reminder of how swiftly modern aviation can be grounded by forces unseen.
