FAA warns airlines of heightened risks over Venezuela amid military buildup and navigation interference

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has issued a fresh advisory urging airlines to “exercise caution” when flying over Venezuela, citing a “potentially hazardous situation” driven by escalating military activity and worsening security conditions in the region.

The notice comes as the United States expands its military presence across the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command, deploying bombers, naval assets, and Marines in an intensified campaign against drug-trafficking and “narco-terrorist” networks near Venezuela.

According to the FAA, operators transiting the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) face elevated risks at all altitudes, including during overflight, arrivals, departures, and while on the ground. Carriers planning to use the airspace must now provide at least 72 hours’ advance notice to the agency.

The advisory highlights a surge in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference reported since September 2025. Some aircraft have experienced lingering navigation issues after passing through the FIR, with jamming and spoofing capable of affecting onboard communication, navigation, surveillance, and safety systems up to 250 nautical miles away.

At the same time, Venezuela has staged multiple military exercises and mobilised thousands of active and reserve forces. While the country has not threatened civil aviation, the FAA notes that its armed forces operate advanced fighter jets, long-range missile systems, and low-altitude weapons such as man-portable air defence systems.

Direct U.S. commercial flights to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, but several international carriers still routinely overfly the country. However, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines say they have recently halted such operations due to the mounting risks.

Other airlines have now also decided to cancel flights to Venezuela: TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, Avianca, …