The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines about flying over Venezuela, urging pilots to exercise caution due to a ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in the region. The advisory comes amid heightened military activity and security concerns, coinciding with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. The U.S. Southern Command has deployed bombers, warships, and Marines as part of an expanded campaign targeting drug-trafficking and so-called ‘narco-terrorist’ networks operating near Venezuela.
The FAA’s notice advises operators to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and increased military activity in or around Venezuela. The agency warns that threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, arrival and departure phases, and airports. Airlines are requested 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 announced that it stopped flying over Venezuela in October, while Delta Air Lines said it ceased the practice ‘a while ago.’ Additionally, the FAA reported an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia region since September 2025, affecting some civil aircraft. The agency also noted Venezuela’s recent military exercises and mass mobilization of military forces, raising concerns about the potential capabilities of Venezuelan military assets against civil aviation.
The advisory is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat drug-trafficking and related activities in the region. The military buildup includes the deployment of bombers and warships, with the goal of disrupting narco-terrorist networks. President Trump has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Venezuela, leading to increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. This includes the arrival of a U.S. Navy destroyer in Trinidad and Tobago, which has drawn additional attention to the region’s security challenges.
While Venezuela has not publicly stated its intent to target civil aviation, the report highlights the potential risks posed by the country’s military capabilities. The FAA warns that Venezuelan forces possess advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching civil aircraft altitudes. Additionally, there is a concern about the use of man-portable air defense systems and anti-aircraft artillery, which could pose a low-altitude risk to commercial flights.
The FAA’s advisory also notes the impact of GNSS interference on aircraft navigation. The interference, which affects a wide range of communication, navigation, and safety equipment, could have lingering effects on flights. The agency emphasizes the need for airlines to be vigilant and to provide prior notice when planning routes that may pass through the affected area. This underscores the complex and evolving nature of the security challenges facing international aviation in the region.