November 12, 2026

SpaceX launch to result in temporary airspace restrictions in Jamaica

Temporary airspace restrictions are scheduled to affect the northern portion of the Kingston Flight Information Region (KFIR), on Friday.

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA)  says the restrictions are associated with the planned launch of SpaceX Starship Flight 15 from Starbase, Texas in the United States, which is expected to affect aviation operations within portions of the Caribbean region.

The launch is scheduled to take place within a window commencing at 5:45 p.m. Friday , subject to confirmation of the final operational arrangements. Alternative launch opportunities have also been identified for November 14 to 19, should the operation be postponed.

Commercial space launch operations occasionally require the implementation of temporary airspace restrictions to safeguard aircraft from potential hazards associated with rocket launches, including the possibility of debris in the event of a launch anomaly.

Designated hazard areas will extend across portions of the Yucatán channel, the Caribbean sea and surrounding regional waters, necessitating precautionary air traffic management measures.The JCAA will implement temporary ground stops at the three international airports  effective 5:15 p.m., Friday  subject to the launch proceeding, as planned.

The measure will temporarily prevent northbound flights, scheduled to transit the Havana Flight Information Region, from departing.

This restriction will remain in effect until the JCAA receives official confirmation, from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Space Operations Command, that the affected airspace is safe for normal operations to resume.

During the affected period, some flights may experience departure delays, temporary holding or adjustments to their planned routes.

The JCAA is  coordinating closely with the FAA, regional air navigation service providers, airport operators, airlines and other aviation stakeholders to facilitate the safe and orderly management of air traffic, while seeking to minimise disruption to scheduled flight operations.  The authority will issue the necessary notices to airmen  outlining the airspace restrictions, ground stop requirements and related operational arrangements.

Airlines, pilots and other aviation stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the official notices, while passengers should contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information and possible schedule changes.