Why Did the FAA Issue New Airspace Warnings for Latin America and Mexico?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
The FAA has urged commercial airlines to use extreme caution flying over parts of Latin America due to military activity; U.S. travel advisories expanded to Jamaica, Mexico, and others.
Key Takeaways
- •The FAA issued multiple international security NOTAMs effective January 16 through March 17, 2026, for U.S. commercial operators.
- •Warnings cite potential risks from military activities and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference over the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
- •Affected airspace includes overwater areas of Mexico, Central America, Panama, Colombia (Bogota), and Ecuador (Guayaquil) Flight Information Regions.
- •The advisories coincide with broader U.S. State Department travel advisories for citizens in countries like Jamaica, Mexico, and France.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical warning to U.S. commercial operators. The agency advised U.S. air carriers to exercise extreme caution over parts of Latin America. This advisory is due to potential military activities in the region.
These warnings were released as a series of international security Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). The NOTAMs became effective on January 16 and will remain in place until March 17, 2026. The FAA's action reflects a growing concern for commercial aviation security in the Western Hemisphere.
Airspace Caution Over Latin America
The FAA's NOTAMs specifically target overwater areas of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This includes the Mexico Flight Information Region (FIR), particularly the Gulf of California. The warnings also cover the Central America and Panama FIRs. Further south, advisories apply to FIRs off the coasts of Colombia (Bogota) and Ecuador (Guayaquil).
The agency cited two main threats to flight safety. The first is the presence of potential military activities. The second is the risk of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference. These risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes. This includes during overflight, as well as arrival and departure phases.
Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) clarified the NOTAM’s scope. The Mexican government stated the warning is purely precautionary. It applies exclusively to U.S. civil operators and imposes no restrictions on Mexican airlines.
Broader U.S. Travel Security Advisories
This airspace warning coincides with broader U.S. government security concerns. The U.S. State Department issues separate U.S. travel advisories for citizens. These advisories address risks like crime, political tensions, and new entry regulations.
Mexico, Central America, and northern South America are broadly covered by these advisories. The recommendations also extend to destinations outside the Americas. These include Jamaica, France, Brazil, Italy, the Bahamas, and Turkey.
For example, the State Department updated its advisory for Jamaica in January 2026. The country was moved to Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution." This was due to crime and natural disaster risks. U.S. citizens are urged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions before traveling.
Related FAA Safety Measures
The FAA continues to address domestic airspace risk mitigation as well. The agency recently announced a provisional rule concerning Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This rule prohibits most helicopters from flying near the airport.
This decision was made to mitigate the potential for midair collisions. It makes permanent restrictions imposed after a past accident. Many such standards follow recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent agency that investigates civil aviation accidents. Its mission is to determine accident causes and issue safety recommendations.
These combined actions show the U.S. government's focus on aviation safety and security. The FAA NOTAMs highlight the need for extreme caution in high-risk international airspaces. Commercial operators must remain vigilant regarding regional instability and potential interference. The advisories are a crucial tool for maintaining global security concerns awareness in aviation.
flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
Visit ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the replacement of certain Safran PBEs due to a manufacturing flaw that can block oxygen flow.
GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana
Guyana's GCAA has suspended two air traffic controllers after a United and Turpial Airlines flight came within five miles, half the required separation.
American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight
Colombian authorities are investigating an American Airlines 737 MAX after bullet holes were found post-flight in Miami, likely from its landing in Medellín.
Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January
Air India recorded a fourfold rise in technical incidents to 1.09 per 1,000 flights in January, prompting intensified regulatory scrutiny and new inspections.
AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud
AOG Technics founder Jose Yrala was jailed for selling 60,000 fake jet-engine parts, causing nearly £40 million in damages to the global airline industry.
Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes
Mexican authorities report Jalisco security has stabilized, allowing airlines to resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara after cartel violence.