Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 17: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised commercial carriers to proceed carefully when operating over Mexico and several other locations in Latin America, citing concerns linked to military-related activity in the region.

According to an FAA spokesperson, flight advisory notices have been issued to pilots covering designated airspace over Mexico, Central America, Panama, as well as the Bogotá, Guayaquil and Mazatlán oceanic flight regions, in addition to portions of the eastern Pacific. The guidance will remain in force for 60 days starting Friday.

The regulator cautioned that interference with global navigation satellite systems could occur, potentially creating conditions that may compromise flight safety. These alerts describe a “potentially hazardous situation” affecting areas over the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortés, Xinhua reported.

Mexican authorities, however, played down the implications of the advisory. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport said the FAA notice is strictly precautionary and does not impose limitations on Mexico’s civil aviation sector.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized that the advisory is intended to heighten awareness and operational vigilance, not to restrict flights or airline activities. “There are no operational impacts or constraints for Mexico, Mexican airlines, or aviation operators,” it said.

The FAA’s move comes amid elevated regional tensions following a US military operation earlier this month that reportedly resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.