JCAA Flags Brief Jamaica Airspace Limits for SpaceX Starship Flight 12

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Authority is alerting the public, airlines, aviation interests and overseas aviation partners that sections of the country’s airspace could come under short-term controls on Friday.

The possible limits are tied to SpaceX Starship Flight 12 activity planned from Starbase, Texas, which may have implications for aircraft moving through the Caribbean.

In a Friday release, the JCAA said the growing number of commercial space missions has made it necessary to apply temporary safeguards across national and regional air routes. The agency said those steps are meant to manage safety concerns linked to launches, debris risks and other hazards to aircraft operations.

The JCAA said the United States Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Organization Space Operations unit has indicated that the key window for the Kingston Flight Information Region is Friday between 5:30 pm and 7:43 pm, once the launch goes ahead.

If the mission is completed without problems, the regulator said the restricted area may be cleared again within 10 to 15 minutes.

Flights using or crossing the affected area could experience short reroutes, holding instructions, altered tracks or delayed departures. Jamaica may also, out of caution, pause some departures until officials confirm both the launch position and the availability of the airspace.

The JCAA said the actions are precautionary and in keeping with internationally accepted aviation safety procedures used for commercial space activity.

The authority said it is working closely with the FAA, regional air navigation service providers, carriers, airport operators, general aviation interests and other partners to limit disruption while keeping safety as the priority.

Passengers are being urged to check with their airlines for current flight updates. Operators and aviation stakeholders should keep watching official Notices to Airmen and operational advisories.