FAA issues warning on hazardous situation in Puerto Rico’s airspace

By THE STAR STAFF

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an uncommon international security notice for the San Juan Flight Information Region (TJZS), which includes Puerto Rico and surrounding Caribbean areas. The advisory warns of a “potentially hazardous situation” in the region’s airspace.

Designated as NOTAM KICZ A0010/25, the alert urges all civilian aircraft to exercise “extreme caution” due to a sharp rise in “state aircraft operations.”

The notice took effect at 18:55 Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, on Tuesday and will remain in force until Feb. 16, 2026.

Such advisories are rare in the Caribbean, particularly because they originate from the FAA’s International Security division -- a unit that typically issues warnings for regions experiencing unusual military activity, geopolitical instability, or threats to civil aviation. The alert applies from ground level to unlimited altitude, signaling heightened vigilance across the entire TJZS airspace.

While the FAA has not disclosed the specific cause, the language points to an increase in government or military flights, which require greater separation and coordination with civilian traffic. These warnings are generally issued when the scale or nature of state operations -- such as military missions, national security tasks, or training exercises -- could indirectly pose risks to commercial or private aircraft.

The timing coincides with a surge in U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. Recent months have seen expanded air and naval presence, surveillance missions, and joint exercises along strategic routes. Although the FAA does not explicitly link these developments to the NOTAM, its three-month duration suggests a sustained operational cycle rather than an isolated event. Analysts view this as part of a broader posture of readiness and deterrence amid rising regional tensions, particularly involving Venezuela.

For civilian operators, the key takeaway is to remain highly cautious and monitor updates closely. No airport closures or specific flight restrictions have been announced, but the FAA advises continued vigilance given the intensified state activity in Puerto Rico’s airspace.