Washington: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday issued official safety notices urging airlines to “exercise caution” when flying over parts of Mexico, Central America, and adjacent South American regions due to heightened “military activities” and the possibility of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference.
The Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which took effect on January 16, 2026, will remain in force for 60 days, covering broad airspace including:
- Mexico and the Mazatlan Oceanic Flight Region
- Central American countries and Panama
- Portions of Colombia and Ecuador flight information regions
- Parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean
The FAA said airlines should be particularly vigilant at all altitudes — including during overflights and arrival/departure phases — because of the potential for military aircraft operating without conventional signals and possible navigation system disruptions.
Context: Regional Military Tensions
The advisory comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, notably following a U.S. special forces operation on January 3, 2026, that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on drug trafficking and related charges.
In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has also publicly suggested military action against Mexican drug cartels, including the possibility of strikes on land targets in Mexico, a statement that has alarmed some regional governments and observers.
Aviation Safety Impact
FAA warnings do not ban flights but serve as formal advisories to pilots and airlines about potential risks to aircraft navigation and safety. The notices reflect ongoing concerns about unannounced military operations and GNSS disruptions — which can affect aircraft positioning and communications systems critical for safe flight.
What NOTAMs mean:
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is an official aviation advisory about potential hazards or changes in flight procedures, issued to inform pilots of conditions that could affect flight safety.
60-Day Duration
The FAA’s advisory remains active through mid-March 2026, and covers a wider region than previous safety warnings, including parts of Central and South American airspace. Airlines and pilots will continue to monitor updates as geopolitical dynamics evolve in the region.