The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary advisory to airlines regarding the risks of operating over Venezuela, citing a combination of heightened security concerns and increased military activity in the region. The warning, issued in response to growing tensions, stresses the potential hazards faced by commercial and military aircraft, including threats from advanced Venezuelan military systems, GNSS interference, and the risk of military engagements. The FAA’s advisory urges airlines to exercise extreme care when flying through the Maiquetia flight information region and recommends providing at least 72 hours’ notice before conducting such flights. The decision follows a significant expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, with bombers, warships, and Marines deployed to counter drug-trafficking networks and so-called ‘narco-terrorist’ groups linked to Venezuela.
Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have already suspended direct flights to Venezuela since 2019, but some still transit the country on broader South American routes. The FAA also notes that there has been an uptick in GNSS interference in the area, with past incidents causing navigation issues on civilian aircraft, raising further concerns over the safety of transiting the region. The advisory emphasizes that Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized large numbers of military and reserve personnel, which could increase the risk of unexpected encounters or hostile actions affecting civilian aviation. Despite the risks, the FAA has not indicated any immediate plans to restrict airspace access, though it has called for heightened awareness and communication with its authorities before any flight over the area. The U.S. Southern Command has also been involved in a campaign targeting drug-trafficking activities near Venezuela, with the deployment of additional military assets in the region. This has raised concerns about the escalation of tensions and the potential impact on international air travel routes passing by the country.
The recent advisory comes as part of a broader U.S. strategy to address perceived threats in the Caribbean, which includes Operation Remove, a military initiative aimed at dismantling ‘narco-terrorist’ networks. The FAA’s warning highlights the growing complexity of regional security issues and the potential implications for global aviation, particularly as countries continue to rely on air travel for economic and diplomatic connections. The situation underscores the challenges in balancing national security with the safety of international commercial aviation, especially in areas with ongoing geopolitical tensions. As such, the FAA’s advisory serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and preparedness in light of the evolving security landscape in the region.