FAA Issues Caution for Eastern Pacific Airspace Amid Military Activities, GPS Interference

FAA Advises Caution Over Eastern Pacific

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a series of advisories, known as Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), urging U.S. aircraft operators to 'exercise caution' when flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean. The warning specifically targets airspace near Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, citing concerns over 'military activities' and 'potential satellite navigation interference'. These alerts became effective on Friday, January 16, 2026, and are slated to remain in effect for 60 days, until March 17, 2026.

The FAA emphasized that 'Potential risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight and the arrival and departure phases of flight.' The affected regions include overwater areas within the Mexico Flight Information Region, the Gulf of California, the Mazatlán Oceanic FIR, and portions of the Central America, Panama, Bogota, and Guayaquil FIRs, covering areas off the coasts of Colombia and Ecuador.

Context of Heightened Regional Tensions

These advisories follow a period of heightened military activity in the region. Over the past four months, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific, which the U.S. alleged were involved in drug trafficking. According to the Trump administration, these operations included 35 known strikes that resulted in at least 115 fatalities.

A significant event preceding the current FAA warning was a 'large-scale strike' conducted by the U.S. on January 3 in Caracas, Venezuela. This operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transported to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges. In November, the FAA had previously issued a warning for airspace over Venezuela due to a 'worsening security situation and heightened military activity'.

Satellite Navigation Interference and Operational Impact

The FAA's warning specifically highlights the risk of 'satellite navigation interference,' including potential GPS jamming, which could affect aircraft operations at all altitudes. Such interference can pose significant challenges for modern aviation, which relies heavily on satellite navigation systems for precise positioning and timing.

The advisories also come amid statements from President Donald Trump regarding potential further military actions in the region to combat drug trafficking, including suggestions of striking land targets in Mexico. In response to the FAA's advisory, the Mexican government clarified that the notice serves as a precaution and does not restrict Mexican airspace or airlines, applying solely to U.S. operators. The increased military presence has already led to incidents, such as a JetBlue flight from Curaçao narrowly avoiding a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela in December.