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Pentagon Orders Temporary Caribbean Flight Ban
Pentagon action places a summer-to-spring airspace restriction off Puerto Rico.
The Pentagon has ordered a temporary Caribbean flight ban after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a flight restriction covering a designated zone off Puerto Rico effective November 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. The FAA said the restriction is for “special security reasons” and applies to all non‑authorized civil aircraft in the affected area.
Commercial carriers and general aviation operators can expect route and scheduling impacts while the restriction is active. The FAA‑issued restriction blocks transit by non‑authorized civilian flights within the defined coordinates and will be enforced for the full period unless the agencies update the notice.
No additional public details were provided about the security rationale or the size of the restricted polygon, but the move signals heightened military activity and tighter airspace management in the Caribbean region near Puerto Rico.
How the Caribbean flight ban affects operations
Pilots, dispatchers and operators should monitor official FAA publications and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) for precise boundaries and any amendments. Airlines and general aviation pilots normally rely on NOTAMs and air traffic control to route around temporary restrictions; expecting reroutes, altitude changes or delays is prudent while the Caribbean flight ban remains active.
- Check FAA NOTAMs and AOC/dispatch channels daily for Caribbean flight ban updates and specific coordinates.
- Coordinate with air traffic control and file alternate routes if your planned track passes near Puerto Rico.
- Expect increased military traffic and possible holding patterns at nearby airports during major exercises or security operations.
For now, the published dates—November 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026—are definitive. Crew briefings and flight planning teams should add the restriction to operational risk assessments until the FAA or Pentagon issues a public update lifting or changing the order.
