Curacao
Risk Level: Three - Caution
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On 3 Jan 2026, the FAA issued a temporary flight ban for US operators in the TNCF/Curacao FIR following US airstrikes in Venezuela, citing safety-of-flight risks from elevated military activity and spillover effects into the southern Caribbean.
That prohibition was short-lived. Subsequent FAA Notams have returned the guidance to an advisory, with US operators now advised to exercise caution at all altitudes in the Curacao FIR while military activity continues in the region.
Earlier airspace warnings and recent events had already highlighted risk in the TNCF FIR. In December 2025, losses of separation involving civilian aircraft and military traffic were reported near TNCC/Curacao, including during climb and in the terminal area, requiring urgent ATC intervention.
The primary risks currently include military aircraft operating close to civil traffic, the potential for misidentification, and reduced ATC and traffic visibility, particularly around TNCA/Aruba, TNCC/Curacao, and TNCB/Bonaire.
Major Events:
3 Jan 2026: US airstrikes in Venezuela. FAA issues prohibition Notams affecting the TNCF/Curacao FIR.
Dec 2025: Two losses of separation were reported in the TNCF/Curacao FIR involving civilian aircraft and military tankers, including a JetBlue A320 and a civilian bizjet.
Nov 2025: TNCF FIR issues a Notam advising extreme caution when operating to or from TNCA, TNCC and TNCB due to unidentified aircraft activity.
That prohibition was short-lived. Subsequent FAA Notams have returned the guidance to an advisory, with US operators now advised to exercise caution at all altitudes in the Curacao FIR while military activity continues in the region.
Earlier airspace warnings and recent events had already highlighted risk in the TNCF FIR. In December 2025, losses of separation involving civilian aircraft and military traffic were reported near TNCC/Curacao, including during climb and in the terminal area, requiring urgent ATC intervention.
The primary risks currently include military aircraft operating close to civil traffic, the potential for misidentification, and reduced ATC and traffic visibility, particularly around TNCA/Aruba, TNCC/Curacao, and TNCB/Bonaire.
Major Events:
3 Jan 2026: US airstrikes in Venezuela. FAA issues prohibition Notams affecting the TNCF/Curacao FIR.
Dec 2025: Two losses of separation were reported in the TNCF/Curacao FIR involving civilian aircraft and military tankers, including a JetBlue A320 and a civilian bizjet.
Nov 2025: TNCF FIR issues a Notam advising extreme caution when operating to or from TNCA, TNCC and TNCB due to unidentified aircraft activity.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Notam KICZ A0009/26 | 04 Jan 2026 | 02 Feb 2026 |
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0009/26
Issued: 04-Jan-26, valid until: 02 Feb 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes in Venezuela on 3 Jan, US operators should exercise caution in the TNCF/Curacao FIR due to military activity.
A0009/26 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL