FAA Issues 60-Day Safety Warning for Central America Airspace Due to Military Activity.
Key Points
- 1FAA issued 60-day Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) effective Friday, January 16, for Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, and Colombia.
- 2Warning cites risks from potential military activity and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference.
- 3US military aircraft may operate without transponders at civil cruising altitudes with little or no notice.
- 4The advisory follows a prior incident where a JetBlue flight took evasive action to avoid a US Air Force tanker near Venezuela.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday issued a major FAA safety warning for Central America airspace and parts of South America. The agency advised airlines to exercise caution while operating in these regions. The warning cites the risk of potential military activity and GPS signal interference. This advisory was released as multiple Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
The warnings cover a wide area of Mexico flight regions, Central American nations, Ecuador, and Colombia. Sections of airspace over the Eastern Pacific Ocean are also included. The 60-day flight advisory became effective immediately. It will remain valid for the next two months. The FAA posted messages warning of a “potentially hazardous situation”.
Key Details of the Advisory
The advisory specifically covers several flight information regions (FIRs). These include the Mazatlán Oceanic (MMFO) and Bogota (SKED) FIRs. The FAA warned that US military aircraft may operate at or below civil cruising altitudes. These operations may occur with little or no notice. Crucially, military aircraft might conduct operations without transponders. This poses a significant risk to US civil aviation operations. The advisory applies to aircraft at all altitudes. This includes the arrival and departure phases of flight.
Operational Impact and Precedent
A key concern is the reported intermittent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference. This interference can affect critical navigation systems. Although aircraft often recover the GNSS signal, effects can linger. This may impact follow-on flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses the importance of reliable navigation.
The new warning expands on previous restrictions in the Caribbean. Following a prior operation near Venezuela, the FAA curbed commercial flights. This action prompted major airlines to cancel hundreds of services. Last month, a JetBlue Airbus flight had to take evasive action. The passenger jet avoided a mid-air collision with a US Air Force tanker near Venezuela. The Air Force jet reportedly did not have its transponder activated. This incident highlights the need for strict aircraft collision avoidance measures.
Context of Regional Tensions
The FAA's action occurs amid heightened regional geopolitical tensions. The warnings follow a significant US military buildup in the southern Caribbean. According to the source, the Trump administration recently conducted military operations. These operations reportedly targeted Venezuela. The administration also suggested strikes on land targets in Mexico. These strikes would counter organized crime groups.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed the agency's coordination. He told Reuters that the agency closely coordinated with the US military. This was done in advance of the Venezuela operation. Airlines must strictly adhere to the updated guidance. The advisory ensures the safety of international air traffic.
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Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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