According to the FAA, the warning applies specifically to US-registered aircraft and operators flying through designated airspaces over Mexico, several Central American countries, Ecuador, Colombia, and sections of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The agency said the advisory is precautionary and does not constitute a ban on flights, but highlights elevated operational risks in the region.
Mexican authorities responded swiftly, emphasising that the FAA notice does not restrict Mexico’s airspace or affect domestic and international flights operated by Mexican carriers. The government clarified that air traffic within Mexico continues as normal and described the advisory as a standard safety measure applicable only to US airlines.
The warning follows heightened tensions after recent statements by former US President Donald Trump, who has accused Mexican drug cartels of exercising control over large parts of the country. On December 8, Trump said the US could initiate ground operations against cartels, claiming they were responsible for hundreds of thousands of drug-related deaths in the United States annually.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the remarks, asserting that Mexico would not accept foreign military intervention on its soil. While acknowledging ongoing bilateral cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts, she reiterated that national sovereignty was non-negotiable.
Concerns about cartel violence have intensified in recent years, particularly due to their expanding firepower and operational reach. US and international agencies have reported increasing use of drones, armoured vehicles and heavy weapons by major groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In February 2025, the US State Department designated several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, a move that broadened the legal framework for intelligence and covert operations.
Despite the security concerns, aviation experts noted that such FAA advisories are not uncommon during periods of geopolitical tension and are designed to allow airlines to assess risks and adjust flight planning if necessary.
The advisory also comes amid broader strains in US-Mexico relations, including debates over trade and border security. However, officials from both countries have sought to play down the aviation warning’s immediate impact, stressing continued cooperation on safety and commerce.
The FAA said it would continue to monitor developments in the region and update guidance as needed, depending on the evolving security environment.
