US regulators advise carriers to exercise caution over Venezuelan airspace

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on November 21 issued a warning to major airlines about a “potentially hazardous situation” for flights over Venezuela, urging carriers to exercise caution.

According to American media, the FAA cited a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela,” noting that the threats could affect aircraft at all altitudes.

In recent months, the region has seen a significant U.S. military buildup, including the deployment of the Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35 aircraft. In addition, the administration of President Donald Trump has carried out strikes on boats allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

Direct U.S. passenger and cargo flights to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019. However, some U.S. carriers continue to overfly Venezuelan airspace on certain South American routes.

American Airlines said on Friday that it stopped overflying Venezuela in October, while Delta Air Lines stated it had avoided Venezuelan airspace “a while ago.” United Airlines had no immediate comment.

The FAA’s notice requires U.S. airlines to provide at least 72 hours’ advance notice of planned flights over Venezuela, but does not prohibit flights in the airspace.

The agency reported that since September, there has been an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in Venezuela, sometimes affecting entire flights, along with “activity associated with increasing Venezuela military readiness.”

“Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and directed the mass mobilisation of thousands of military and reserve forces,” the FAA said, emphasising that Venezuela has not indicated any intent to target civil aviation.

The FAA also warned that the Venezuelan military possesses advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching or exceeding civil aircraft operating altitudes.

Additionally, there is a potential low-altitude risk from air defence systems and anti-aircraft artillery.

The FAA said it will continue to monitor the security environment for U.S. civil aviation operating in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova