El Paso, Texas – iFLY El Paso, the indoor skydiving facility located in West El Paso, posted on its Facebook page Tuesday that it is permanently closed. The venue, which first opened its doors in 2019, thanked the community for seven years of memorable flights before announcing the final shutdown.
Background and city incentive dispute
The facility originally benefited from a 380 agreement with the City of El Paso that provided economic incentives, including more than $160,000 in sales‑tax rebates. That agreement was terminated after the city contested the appraised value of the property, leading to the venue’s closure for eight months.
Brief reopening and community events
After a period of refurbishment, iFLY El Paso reopened in March 2025 under corporate ownership. During its second stint, the center hosted events such as an “All Abilities Night,” described by organizers as an empowering indoor‑skydiving experience for individuals of all abilities, complete with personalized support and world‑class instructors.
Impact on the local recreation landscape
The closure removes a unique recreational option from the El Paso market. Indoor skydiving attracted families, tourists, and thrill‑seekers, contributing to the city’s tourism and leisure economy. The venue also served as a gathering place for experienced flyers who mentored newcomers, fostering a tight‑knit community of aviation enthusiasts.
Community response
In its farewell message, iFLY El Paso highlighted the personal stories shared by flyers over the years, noting how many first‑time participants discovered a new passion and formed lasting friendships. The company expressed gratitude to both newcomers and seasoned skydivers for building what it called the “body flight community” in El Paso.
What’s next for the site?
The future use of the property has not been announced. City officials have not indicated whether the space will be repurposed for another business or community use. Residents and local business owners will be watching closely for any redevelopment plans that could fill the void left by the venue’s departure.
For now, the loss of iFLY El Paso serves as a reminder of the challenges small‑to‑medium enterprises can face when public‑private incentive agreements are contested, and it underscores the importance of stable economic partnerships for sustaining unique local attractions.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
