FAA Warns Pilots: Avoid Venezuelan Airspace Amid Rising US Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration has escalated warnings regarding Venezuelan airspace, issuing a formal notice to airmen (NOTAM) that will remain in effect through February 19, 2026. The advisory cites a deteriorating security environment marked by heightened military activity, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference, and potential threats to civil aircraft operating at all altitudes.
The timing of the FAA’s November 21 warning coincides with reported plans by senior US officials indicating the Trump administration intends to launch a new operational phase targeting Venezuela’s government in the coming days. According to these officials, the expanded effort may include covert activities alongside existing military deployments, representing a notable shift in Washington’s approach toward the Nicolás Maduro regime.
The NOTAM specifically covers the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) and warns of “a potentially hazardous situation” stemming from the security environment. Critically, the advisory highlights recently documented cases of GNSS jamming and spoofing affecting aircraft transiting the region, with interference reported up to 250 nautical miles from the source—a significant operational concern for commercial and military aviation alike.
The commercial aviation sector has responded swiftly. Multiple carriers cancelled or rerouted flights over Venezuela on November 23 alone, citing both the FAA advisory and the uncertain security environment. Air traffic through the region has dropped sharply as airlines adjust routing protocols.
The advisory reflects broader military repositioning in the Caribbean. The US Navy has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group and additional naval assets to the region in recent months. Pentagon officials characterize these deployments as pressure-building measures against alleged Venezuelan involvement in narcotics trafficking and regional destabilization activities—accusations the Maduro government denies.
Venezuela’s leadership has accused the United States of pursuing regime change and claims to have mobilized its own military forces in response. This mutual escalation underscores the volatile geopolitical context informing the FAA’s advisory.
Operators now face new compliance requirements, including a mandate requiring US carriers planning to enter the affected airspace to provide 72 hours’ advance notice to the FAA. Airlines, charter operators, and regulatory bodies are closely monitoring for potential expansions of NOTAM coverage or additional restrictions.
The advisory underscores a critical principle in aviation safety: even when civil aircraft are not direct participants in geopolitical tensions, proximate military activity and electronic interference create genuine hazards. As the situation develops, industry stakeholders await further guidance on potential extensions or modifications to current restrictions.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102525233-927