FAA urges pilots to exercise caution over eastern Pacific, citing ‘military activities’

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a cautionary alert to U.S. aircraft operators flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, citing potential risks from “military activities” and possible satellite navigation interference.

The warning, released Friday through several Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), states that “Potential risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight and the arrival and departure phases of flight.” These notices will remain in effect for 60 days and are standard procedure for regions experiencing nearby hostilities.

This advisory comes in the wake of nearly four months of U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the Trump administration, this campaign included 35 confirmed strikes that resulted in at least 115 fatalities.

The eastern Pacific region serves as a critical air corridor for commercial flights connecting North America with countries throughout Central and South America. Major airlines including American Airlines, United, and LATAM frequently utilize these routes for passenger and cargo transportation.

Aviation safety experts note that military activities can pose various challenges for civilian aircraft, ranging from unexpected airspace restrictions to communication difficulties. Captain John Richardson, a former commercial airline pilot and aviation safety consultant, explained, “When military operations are ongoing, pilots need heightened situational awareness, especially regarding potential GPS jamming or spoofing that could affect navigation systems.”

This isn’t the first time the FAA has issued such warnings for Latin American airspace. In November, the agency cautioned pilots about flying over Venezuelan airspace “due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity.” That alert preceded a significant U.S. operation on January 3 when forces conducted what was described as a “large-scale strike” across Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. During this operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly seized and transported to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges.

The escalation of military activities in the region has already led to at least one concerning incident. In December, a JetBlue commercial flight departing from Curaçao was forced to alter its ascent to avoid a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker, highlighting the potential dangers that can arise when civilian and military aircraft operate in proximity.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents approximately 290 airlines worldwide, has emphasized the importance of coordination between military operations and civilian air traffic. “Clear communication channels between military authorities and air traffic control are essential for maintaining the safety of commercial aviation in regions experiencing increased military activity,” said an IATA spokesperson.

For travelers, these warnings typically don’t result in canceled flights but may lead to altered flight paths and potential delays as airlines prioritize safety. Commercial carriers are expected to incorporate these advisories into their flight planning processes, potentially adjusting routes to maintain safe distances from areas of concern.

The FAA continues to monitor the situation closely and may update or extend the advisory depending on how conditions evolve in the region. Travelers planning flights to or through the affected areas are advised to check with their airlines for any potential schedule adjustments or route changes that might affect their journeys.