Spain, Portugal caution airlines over Venezuelan flights

On November 29, 2025, aviation authorities in Spain and Portugal issued recommendations to passenger airlines from their countries to avoid operating flights in Venezuelan airspace over the next several days due to potential safety risks.

According to a source familiar with air traffic control matters, cited by foreign media, Spanish civil aviation carriers are strongly advised not to fly over Venezuela until December 1. Similarly, Portugal’s aviation authorities have issued guidance advising airlines to avoid the region until December 2.

The Portuguese authorities highlighted that current conditions in Venezuela’s Flight Information Region may pose a serious threat to civil aircraft operating within or transiting through the area.

The source emphasised that these recommendations are not mandatory in cases of onboard emergencies. “In such circumstances, the aircraft commander may deviate from the recommendation as necessary to prevent an emergency,” he noted.

While the source did not clarify the specific reasons behind the limited validity of these advisories, he confirmed that all airlines operating in the region have been notified.

By Tamilla Hasanova