The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines about flying over Venezuela, advising them to exercise caution due to a ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in the region. The advisory comes as the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines as part of an expanded campaign targeting drug-trafficking and so-called ‘narco-terrorist’ networks near Venezuela. The FAA also highlighted recent GNSS interference and increased military activity in Venezuela, raising concerns about potential risks to civilian aircraft.
The FAA advisory urged operators to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela. It noted that threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground. The FAA requested airlines to provide at least 72-hour advance notice to the FAA if they plan to fly through the area.
Direct flights from U.S. passenger and cargo carriers to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, but some airlines still fly over the country on their South American routes. American Airlines said it stopped flying over Venezuela in October, while Delta Air Lines said it stopped ‘a while ago.’ The FAA also mentioned an increase in GNSS interference in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region since September 2025 and Venezuela’s military exercises and mass mobilization of forces, raising concerns about potential risks to civilian aircraft.
The advisory underscores the growing security and geopolitical tensions in the region, with the U.S. Southern Command intensifying its operations in the Caribbean as part of a broader effort to combat narco-terrorism. These measures include the deployment of advanced military assets and the conduct of special operations targeting drug-trafficking networks. The situation has prompted airlines to reassess their routes and operations, with some carriers having already ceased direct flights to Venezuela since 2019. However, indirect flights over the country remain a point of concern due to the potential for threats to aviation safety.
The FAA’s warning serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing international aviation in regions marked by political instability and military activity. As the U.S. continues its efforts to counter potential threats, the aviation industry must navigate these risks while ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The situation highlights the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on global travel and the importance of vigilance in maintaining aviation security.