FAA warns pilots about flying over eastern Pacific amid U.S. military activity

Washington | January 17, 2026 The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary notice urging pilots and aircraft operators to be careful when flying over parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean, especially near Mexico, Central America and portions of South America. The FAA’s series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) highlights “military activities” and possible interference with satellite navigation systems as risks for aircraft at all altitudes, including takeoff, landing and overflight phases. These warnings, which are effective for the next 60 days, come amid increased U.S. military presence and operations in the region. The FAA routinely issues such alerts when there is heightened activity or hostilities nearby to ensure flight safety. Pilots have been advised to stay alert and follow updated flight advisories while crossing the affected airspace. The caution follows nearly four months of U.S. strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific that Washington says were involved in drug trafficking. According to U.S. officials, around 35 known military strikes have taken place, resulting in over 115 deaths. These operations are part of broader efforts to counter narcotics smuggling by sea. Tensions further escalated earlier this month when a large-scale U.S. military operation in Caracas led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both have been transported to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges, highlighting the serious geopolitical situation in the region and contributing to the FAA’s flight warnings. FAA Issues Flight Warning Over Eastern Pacific Amid Rising Military Activity The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised pilots to remain cautious while flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean, especially near Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. The warning points to ongoing military activity and possible disruption to satellite navigation systems that could affect flights at all altitudes, including takeoff and landing. The advisory was released through a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) on January 16, 2026. The FAA noted that such alerts are issued when safety risks increase in a region due to nearby hostilities or military operations, and pilots are urged to stay alert and follow updated guidance. This warning comes after nearly four months of U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific. U.S. authorities have claimed these vessels were involved in drug trafficking. According to official figures, at least 35 strikes have taken place, resulting in more than 115 deaths. Tensions in the region have further escalated following a large-scale U.S. strike against Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized and taken to New York, where they faced federal drug trafficking charges, adding to concerns over regional stability.