FAA Warns Airlines On Central, South American Flights of Potential Military Actions

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a series of flight advisories on Friday, warning airlines to exercise caution in the airspace over Mexico, Central America and parts of South America due to potential "military activities."

"The FAA issued flight advisory notices to Airmen for specified areas of Mexico, Central America, Panama, Bogota, Guayaquil and Mazatlan Oceanic Flight Regions, and in airspace within the eastern Pacific Ocean," an FAA spokesperson said, adding that the advisory is effective for 60 days beginning on Friday.

The warnings cite possible interference with global navigation satellite systems that could cause a "potentially hazardous situation."

Trump suggests possible military strikes in Mexico

The development comes amid heightened regional tensions following a US military operation in early January that resulted in the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on narco-terrorism charges.

Following the Venezuela operation, hundreds of flights by major airlines throughout the Caribbean were canceled after the FAA curbed flights in the region.

US President Donald Trump has also suggested possible military strikes against drug cartel targets in Mexico.

"We are going to start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels. The cartels are running Mexico," Trump told Fox News last week.

Mexico says no operational implications

Meanwhile, Mexican authorities said the FAA advisory has no operational implications for Mexico and imposes no restrictions on the country's airlines or operators.

Officials added that there is no impact on civil aviation in Mexico and no changes to operating conditions in national airspace.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

Source: DW