Caribbean Skies Remain on High Alert as FAA Extends Security Measures
Federal aviation officials continue to maintain a heightened security posture over Puerto Rican airspace this week, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) balances regional stability with ongoing military operations in the southern Caribbean.
The agency’s latest advisories follow a period of unprecedented disruption that began in early January, when U.S. military actions in Venezuela triggered the temporary closure of the San Juan Flight Information Region. While the primary airspace restrictions were lifted within 24 hours of that operation, a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) remain in effect to ensure the safety of civil aviation.
Military Activity Drives Cautionary Alerts
Current FAA guidance urges pilots and airlines to exercise extreme caution when traversing the Eastern Caribbean. Officials cite "special security reasons" for these measures, which are designed to prevent conflicts between commercial airliners and Department of Defense (DoD) assets operating in the region.
One specific Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), identified as FDC 5/9106, is slated to remain active until March 31, 2026. This restriction covers a strategic area off the coast of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, and limits airspace access primarily to participating military aircraft.
"The safety of the flying public is our absolute priority," said an FAA spokesperson in a recent briefing. "We are working in lockstep with federal partners to monitor geopolitical developments and adjust flight paths as necessary."
Impact on Regional Travel
The ripple effects of these security protocols continue to be felt by travelers. In the immediate aftermath of the January strikes, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) saw more than 200 delays in a single day as carriers like American Airlines and Delta scrambled to comply with federal mandates.
While scheduled service has largely returned to normalcy, the FAA maintains that the situation remains fluid. Aviation experts warn that navigation risks, including potential GPS interference and the presence of uncoordinated military sorties, require dispatchers to maintain vigilant risk assessments.
