The Federal Aviation Management has issued a warning to airlines flying over Venezuela, citing increased security risks and military activity in the region. The advisory, issued November 21, comes as geopolitical tensions rise with a significant U.S.Navy presence nearby and follows a suspension of direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela since 2019. While the FAA is not prohibiting flights,airlines are being urged to exercise caution due to reports of military exercises and potential interference with navigation systems.
SUMMARY
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to major airlines about potential hazards when flying over Venezuela, citing increased security concerns and military activity.
The FAA notice, issued on Friday, November 21, highlighted a “deteriorating security situation” and a rise in military operations within and around Venezuelan airspace, posing potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes.
This development comes amid a significant military buildup in the region, including the deployment of the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier and at least eight other warships, along with F-35 fighter jets.
The U.S. government has previously targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking off the Venezuelan coast and in other Latin American waters.
While direct passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, some U.S. carriers still utilize Venezuelan airspace for routes to South American destinations.
American Airlines confirmed it had stopped flying over Venezuela in October. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have yet to respond to requests for comment.
The FAA’s directive does not outright prohibit flights over the country, but urges caution.
According to the FAA, there has been a noted increase since September in interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System in Venezuela, which has, in some instances, caused prolonged effects during flight, alongside “activities associated with increased Venezuelan military readiness.”
“Venezuela has conducted several military exercises and directed a mass mobilization of thousands of military and reserve forces,” the FAA stated, adding that Venezuelan authorities have not expressed any intention to target civil aviation.
The agency also noted that the Venezuelan Armed Forces possess advanced combat aircraft and multiple weapon systems capable of reaching or exceeding the operating altitudes of civilian aircraft, and that there is a potential low-altitude risk from air defense systems and anti-aircraft artillery.
The FAA said it will continue to monitor the risk environment for U.S. civil aviation operating in the region.
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