U.S. ISSUES URGENT AVIATION WARNING

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued urgent warnings to airlines operating over large swaths of Central and South American airspace, citing possible military operations and GPS navigation interference that could affect commercial flights.

The FAA’s Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) take effect immediately and will remain in place for 60 days, through mid-March.

The alerts cover airspace over Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean, and apply at all altitudes — including takeoff, cruising, and landing phases.

Airlines are advised to exercise extreme caution, monitor navigation systems carefully, and consider alternate routing if needed, as military flights or electronic interference could pose hazards.

This warning comes amid rising regional tensions, including recent U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and suggestions from the Biden administration of further operations targeting drug cartels and other threats — moves that have alarmed civil aviation authorities.

No formal closures of airspace have been ordered, but carriers may adjust schedules or routes as they assess safety risks. Airlines and pilots are expected to report any GPS anomalies or unusual military traffic encountered en route.

We’ll update this story as more official details become available.