FAA Continues Heightened Airspace Warnings for Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Other Caribbean Destinations

Residents and travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are facing heightened aviation precautions as federal authorities continue to warn of potential risks in regional airspace tied to ongoing U.S. military activity connected to Venezuela, prompting airlines and pilots to operate under elevated security advisories.

The Federal Aviation Administration has maintained a cautionary notice for the San Juan Flight Information Region, which includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, advising aircraft operators to exercise extreme care at all altitudes. The advisory stems from U.S. military operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, and remains in effect through February 2, 2026, under NOTAM KICZ A0008/26. According to the FAA, the notice applies to overflights, arrivals, and departures due to potential threats arising from military activity in the region.

The FAA’s warning covers airspace serving major travel hubs such as Cyril E. King Airport and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. In the immediate aftermath of the January 3 operation, hundreds of flights were canceled at these and other Caribbean airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and disrupting routine travel, including back-to-school returns for students from islands such as Puerto Rico.

While a temporary 24-hour airspace closure imposed after the operation has since been lifted, pilots have been cautioned to remain alert for hazards such as GPS interference and other navigation issues associated with regional tensions. Airlines reassessed flight paths serving popular Caribbean destinations, including St. Thomas and San Juan, as they evaluated safety conditions following the military action.