US issues warning on possible military moves nearby
The FAA warned of a potentially hazardous situation, noting possible interference with global navigation satellite systems affecting aviation safety.
US Warns Civilian Flights as Military Activity Raises Risks Over Mexico, Central America
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a rare advisory urging airlines and pilots to exercise caution while flying over parts of Mexico, Central America and nearby regions, citing concerns over possible military activity and risks to aviation safety. The warning, released through a series of official flight notices, highlights a “potentially hazardous situation” that could affect civilian aircraft over a wide stretch of airspace.
According to the FAA, the advisory covers specified areas of Mexico, Central America, Panama, and parts of South America, including airspace over Bogotá and Guayaquil. It also extends to several oceanic flight regions, such as Mazatlán and large portions of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The notices will remain in effect for 60 days, during which pilots are advised to remain vigilant and carefully assess flight planning and routing.
A key concern raised by the FAA is the possibility of interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which plays a critical role in modern aviation. GNSS disruptions can affect aircraft navigation, communication, and situational awareness, particularly during long overwater flights or in regions with limited ground-based navigation support. While no specific incidents were cited, the warning suggests that military activities in the region could increase the risk of such interference.
The FAA emphasised that the advisory is not a prohibition on flights. Instead, it is intended as a precautionary measure, encouraging airlines to stay alert to changing conditions and to coordinate closely with air traffic control. Such notices are typically issued when military exercises, operations, or heightened security activities could create unpredictable conditions for civilian aircraft.
The timing of the warning comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Americas. Earlier this month, a US special forces operation reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing charges in the United States related to drug trafficking and other offences. The operation sent shockwaves through the region and raised concerns about potential retaliation or further military actions.
At the same time, President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that his administration is considering direct action against drug cartels operating in Mexico. Such remarks have alarmed regional governments, given Mexico’s status as a close US neighbour and one of its most important trading partners. Any military operations linked to counter-narcotics efforts could have wide-ranging implications, including unintended risks for civilian air traffic.
Aviation experts note that warnings like the FAA’s are often issued when there is a risk of GPS jamming, spoofing, or other electronic interference associated with military operations. These threats have become more common in conflict zones around the world, prompting aviation authorities to take a more cautious approach even in regions not traditionally associated with active hostilities.
For airlines, the advisory may mean adjusting flight routes, increasing fuel reserves, or enhancing monitoring during flights through the affected areas. Pilots are also being encouraged to rely on multiple navigation sources and to be prepared for potential disruptions, particularly during critical phases of flight.
The warning has drawn attention from governments across the region. Mexican authorities, however, have sought to downplay concerns, stating that there is no impact on civil aviation operations within Mexico’s sovereign airspace. Officials in Mexico City have stressed that the FAA’s notices are advisories issued by US authorities and do not impose restrictions on Mexican carriers or domestic flights.
Despite these reassurances, the advisory underscores a broader reality: geopolitical tensions increasingly have spillover effects beyond borders and battlefields, reaching into commercial aviation and everyday travel. Millions of passengers pass through the skies over Mexico and Central America each year, making the region one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors.
For travellers, the FAA’s warning is unlikely to cause immediate disruptions such as mass cancellations. However, it serves as a reminder of how quickly global events can influence flight operations. Airlines are expected to closely monitor developments over the coming weeks and adjust plans if conditions change.
As the 60-day advisory period unfolds, aviation authorities and governments will be watching carefully for any escalation that could further affect air safety. For now, the FAA’s message is clear: remain cautious, stay informed, and prioritise safety in a region facing an unusual mix of political tension and military uncertainty.