Temporary airspace restrictions scheduled for Thursday due to planned launch of SpaceX Starship

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) says temporary airspace restrictions are scheduled to affect the northern portion of Jamaica’s airspace, the Kingston flight information region on Thursday.

The restrictions arise from the planned launch of SpaceX Starship Flight 13 from Starbase, Texas which is anticipated to affect aircraft operating through the Caribbean region.

The launch is scheduled to occur within a window extending from 5:45 P.M. to 7:56 P.M. once the operation proceeds. 

Alternative launch dates have also been identified for July 17 to 22 should the launch be deferred from July 16. 

The JCAA explains that commercial space launches occasionally require temporary restrictions within regional airspace to protect aircraft from possible hazards including debris and other related flight safety hazards. 

As a precautionary measure, the JCAA is scheduled to implement a temporary hold on affected flights departing Jamaica’s three international airports and travelling north towards or through the Cuban airspace. 

Subject to the launch proceeding, the temporary restrictions within Jamaica’s airspace will take effect at 5:25 P.M. and will impact certain flights departing the Sangster International Airport, Norman Manley International Airport and the Ian Fleming International Airport.

These flights may experience departure delays, changes to their planned routes, temporary holding or rerouting. 

The restrictions will remain in place until confirmation is received that the affected airspace is safe and available for normal operations. 

The JCAA says it continues to coordinate closely with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), other air navigation service providers, airports, airlines and other regional stakeholders to minimise the disruption while maintaining the highest levels of aviation safety. 

As a result, the authority has commenced and will continue to issue, appropriate notices containing detailed operational information for aviation stakeholders. 

Passengers travelling during the affected period are encouraged to maintain contact with their respective airlines for the latest flight information while airlines, pilots and other operational stakeholders should continue to monitor official notams and operational advisories. 

The JCAA emphasises that these measures are precautionary and form part of established aviation safety procedures for commercial space operations. 

The affected airspace will be returned to normal activity, immediately following receipt of the required clearance. 

JCAA says further updates will be provided as necessary.