FAA Warns US Airlines Over Mexico, Latin America Flights Amid Military, GPS Risks. Bloomberg
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has issued a 60-day advisory urging airlines to exercise caution over Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. The warning cites potential military activity and GPS interference, emphasizing safety amid rising regional tensions.
Rising Regional Tensions
The advisory follows recent U.S. military actions, including a strike in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. President Trump has suggested possible further operations in Colombia and against drug cartels in Mexico, fueling FAA concerns about airspace safety.
Mexico Confirms Airspace Remains Open
Mexico clarified that its national airspace is unaffected and remains fully operational. The advisory applies only to U.S. operators, and domestic and international flights within Mexico continue as normal.
Previous Flight Disruptions
Earlier FAA restrictions across the Caribbean caused hundreds of flight cancellations during U.S. military operations. Coordination between the FAA and the U.S. military was reportedly smooth, minimizing risks to civilian aircraft.
Near-Miss Incident Highlights Risks
Last month, JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curacao to New York took evasive action to avoid a U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela. The tanker’s transponder was off, raising alarms over military aircraft operating in civilian airspace.
Precautionary Measures for Airlines
Airlines have been advised to remain vigilant, follow communication protocols, and monitor updates. The FAA emphasizes heightened situational awareness to prevent accidents amid potential GPS disruptions or unexpected military activity.
The advisory remains in effect for 60 days, signaling a cautious approach as geopolitical tensions continue to shape airspace safety over Mexico and Latin America.
