Washington, DC, December 17 - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reiterated its cautionary advisory to airlines regarding operations in Venezuelan airspace, emphasizing a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around the country. On December 16, 2025, the FAA repeated its November 21 warning without modifications, urging operators to exercise extreme caution when considering overflights or flights into Venezuela. This FAA Venezuela airspace warning highlights potential hazards that could affect civil aviation at all altitudes, including during overflight, takeoff, landing, and even while aircraft are on the ground at airports.
The advisory stems from ongoing concerns over increased military readiness in Venezuela, including the deployment of advanced fighter aircraft and surface-to-air defense systems capable of reaching commercial cruising levels. Additionally, reports of heightened Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, such as GPS jamming and spoofing, have persisted since September 2025, with effects potentially extending hundreds of nautical miles and impacting navigation reliability. While no direct threats to civil aviation have been declared, the FAA stresses that these factors contribute to a potentially hazardous environment for Venezuela flights and overflights.
U.S. operators are required to provide at least 72 hours' advance notice to the FAA for any planned entries into the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM), which encompasses Venezuelan airspace. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely, noting that risks may involve low-altitude threats from anti-aircraft systems as well. This repeated FAA airline warning underscores the importance of risk assessments for international carriers navigating regional tensions.
Aviation safety experts view such notices as standard protocol in volatile areas, aimed at prioritizing passenger and crew security amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. The FAA's guidance remains in effect, with the current NOTAM extending into early 2026, prompting airlines worldwide to evaluate routes and operations carefully to mitigate Venezuela airspace risks.
