The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned American civil aviation operators of potential risks when flying over Venezuelan airspace, citing a sharp rise in military activity and a deteriorating security environment in the region.
In a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) released on Friday, the FAA highlighted “worsening security” and “heightened military activity in or around Venezuela,” urging airlines to exercise caution at all altitudes. While the advisory stops short of banning overflights, it warns that risks may arise during all phases of flight, including arrivals, departures, and while aircraft are on the ground.
According to an FAA background document, incidents of global navigation satellite system interference have increased in Venezuelan airspace since September, in some cases affecting entire flights.
The agency linked this disruption to Venezuela’s “increasing military readiness,” noting that Caracas has conducted multiple military exercises and ordered the mass mobilisation of thousands of troops and reservists in recent months. However, the FAA stressed that Venezuela has not expressed any intent to target civilian aviation.
The regulator said it will continue monitoring the situation and update its guidance as needed.
Direct flights between the United States and Venezuela were suspended in 2019, but some American carriers still use Venezuelan airspace on routes to other South American destinations. American Airlines said it halted Venezuela overflights in October.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have not commented. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that U.S. operators are now required to give the FAA 72 hours’ notice before using Venezuelan airspace.
The warning comes as Washington deploys a significant military presence to the region, including an advanced aircraft carrier strike group, navy warships, thousands of troops, and F-35 fighter jets. U.S. officials claim the operation targets transnational drug trafficking networks in Latin America.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of using the military buildup as a pretext to try to remove him from power. The Trump administration has intensified its rhetoric toward Caracas, including renewed allegations that Maduro is involved in drug trafficking.
The escalation has also drawn scrutiny over U.S. actions at sea. Since early September, U.S. forces have attacked around 20 vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people they claim were linked to drug trafficking.
Critics, including legal experts, say Washington has not provided evidence that the vessels posed a threat or were engaged in criminal activity, accusing the administration of conducting extrajudicial killings in international waters.
Source: AL JAZEERA
Written By Rodney Mbua
