US airlines alerted to risks due to military activity in Mexico and Central America

Reuters and Europa Press

La Jornada Newspaper
Saturday, January 17, 2026, p. 3

Washington. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) asked US airlines for “caution” when flying over areas of the airspace of countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and others in Central America due to the existing danger generated by “military activities” and GPS interruptions. The measure seeks to prevent interference in navigation systems.

“US operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when operating in maritime areas over the Pacific Ocean in the Central American Flight Information Region due to military activities and GPS interference. There are potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight and arrival and departure phases,” the document says.

The designated areas correspond to the Pacific coast of the named countries and the notice extends for a period of 60 days, that is, until March 17.

Military activities in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea intensified several months ago when the Pentagon launched the operation Southern Spearwith the argument of combating drug trafficking, within the framework of which he bombed vessels that he accused, without presenting evidence, of transporting drugs.

In this context, US forces also intercepted six Venezuelan oil tankers transporting crude oil sanctioned by Washington, in a campaign against Caracas that culminated in the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.

The FAA statement suggests, for more information, visit the website https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/us_restrictions.