United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new warning to commercial airlines about the risks of flying over Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. The advisory highlights the potential hazards posed to aircraft operating at all altitudes, including during overflights, arrivals, departures, and ground operations. The FAA has requested airlines to provide at least 72-hour advance notice before flying through the area to ensure the safety of both aircraft and passengers.
The advisory comes amid a significant increase in U.S. military presence across the Caribbean, as part of a broader campaign targeting drug-trafficking and so-called ‘narco-terrorist’ networks operating near Venezuela. The U.S. Southern Command has deployed bombers, warships, and Marines in the region to bolster security measures and combat illegal activities. This military buildup is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations and protect airspace integrity in the area.
The FAA has also highlighted recent incidents of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR), which can affect critical communication and navigation systems on aircraft. The interference has been reported in several instances, with some flights experiencing lingering effects. GNSS jammers and spoofers can impact aircraft up to 250 nautical miles, posing a significant risk to aviation safety. The FAA has warned that these disruptions could compromise the navigation and safety systems of aircraft flying over Venezuela.
Additionally, the FAA notes that Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized thousands of military and reserve forces since early September 2025. While the country has not expressed any intention to target civil aviation, the Venezuelan military possesses advanced fighter aircraft and weapons systems capable of reaching civil aircraft operating altitudes. There is also a potential risk from man-portable air defense systems and anti-aircraft artillery, which could pose a threat to low-altitude flights.
Direct flights from U.S. passenger and cargo carriers to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, but some airlines still operate flights over the country as part of their South American routes. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have stated that they stopped flying over Venezuela in October and