Venezuela
Risk Level: Two - Danger exists
[ about risk levels ]
In Nov 2025, the US FAA issued a new airspace warning for the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR due to increased military activity, GPS interference and a deteriorating security environment around Venezuela. Several international airlines have since suspended services and are avoiding the FIR. This coincides with expanded US military operations in the southern Caribbean and heightened regional tension.
The primary risks include GPS interference, unpredictable state and military aircraft operating at all levels, and Venezuelan air defence systems capable of reaching civil cruising altitudes. Limited ATC visibility, short-notice airspace changes and restricted diversion options further increase risk for overflights.
Major Events:
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for SVZM, citing GPS interference and military activity. Multiple airlines suspend flights or reroute.
Late 2025: Increased US naval and air operations in the southern Caribbean prompt public objections from Venezuela, raising regional risk levels.
The primary risks include GPS interference, unpredictable state and military aircraft operating at all levels, and Venezuelan air defence systems capable of reaching civil cruising altitudes. Limited ATC visibility, short-notice airspace changes and restricted diversion options further increase risk for overflights.
Major Events:
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for SVZM, citing GPS interference and military activity. Multiple airlines suspend flights or reroute.
Late 2025: Increased US naval and air operations in the southern Caribbean prompt public objections from Venezuela, raising regional risk levels.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Notam LPPC A5741/25 | 09 Dec 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | |
| Spain | Notam LECM B9069/25 | 01 Dec 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | |
| EASA | Information Note | 28 Nov 2025 | 31 Jan 2026 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ Notam A0012/25 | 21 Nov 2025 | 19 Feb 2026 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Venezeula | 21 Nov 2025 | Ongoing |
Source: Portugal
Reference: Notam LPPC A5741/25
Issued: 09-Dec-25, valid until: 31 Dec 2025
Plain English: Portuguese operators should not enter the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR due to increased military activity, air-defence threats at all levels, and lack of coordination between parties in the area.
A5741/25 NOTAMN
Q) LPXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/3100N02417W999
A) LPPC LPPO B) 2512091501 C) 2512312359
E) UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2025, PORTUGUESE CIVIL AIR OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS WITHIN THE MAIQUETIA FIR (SVZM).
THIS RECOMMENDATION IS ISSUED DUE TO A HEIGHTENED RISK TO CIVIL AVIATION RESULTING FROM THE INCREASINGLY UNPREDICTABLE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT IN THE REGION, INCLUDING:
-INCREASED, SUDDEN AND UNCOORDINATED STATE AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY,
-THE DEPLOYMENT AND PRESENCE OF ADVANCED AIR-DEFENCE SYSTEMS CAPABLE OF ENGAGING TARGETS AT ALL ALTITUDES,
-GNSS INTERFERENCE AND OTHER NAVIGATION DISRUPTIONS,
-LIMITED OR DEGRADED COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE ONGOING TENSIONS,
-POTENTIAL FOR MISIDENTIFICATION, SHORT-NOTICE AIRSPACE CHANGES AND REDUCED DIVERSION OPTIONS IN PARTS OF THE REGION.
THESE CONDITIONS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OPERATIONAL UNCERTAINTY FOR CIVIL AIRCRAFT OPERATING WITHIN OR TRANSITING THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO FLIGHT SAFETY.
EMERGENCY PROVISIONS: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVIATE FROM THIS ADVISORY AS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION.
Q) LPXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/3100N02417W999
A) LPPC LPPO B) 2512091501 C) 2512312359
E) UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2025, PORTUGUESE CIVIL AIR OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS WITHIN THE MAIQUETIA FIR (SVZM).
THIS RECOMMENDATION IS ISSUED DUE TO A HEIGHTENED RISK TO CIVIL AVIATION RESULTING FROM THE INCREASINGLY UNPREDICTABLE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT IN THE REGION, INCLUDING:
-INCREASED, SUDDEN AND UNCOORDINATED STATE AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY,
-THE DEPLOYMENT AND PRESENCE OF ADVANCED AIR-DEFENCE SYSTEMS CAPABLE OF ENGAGING TARGETS AT ALL ALTITUDES,
-GNSS INTERFERENCE AND OTHER NAVIGATION DISRUPTIONS,
-LIMITED OR DEGRADED COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE ONGOING TENSIONS,
-POTENTIAL FOR MISIDENTIFICATION, SHORT-NOTICE AIRSPACE CHANGES AND REDUCED DIVERSION OPTIONS IN PARTS OF THE REGION.
THESE CONDITIONS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OPERATIONAL UNCERTAINTY FOR CIVIL AIRCRAFT OPERATING WITHIN OR TRANSITING THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO FLIGHT SAFETY.
EMERGENCY PROVISIONS: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVIATE FROM THIS ADVISORY AS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION.
Source: Spain
Reference: Notam LECM B9069/25
Issued: 01-Dec-25, valid until: 31 Dec 2025
Plain English: Spanish operators should not enter the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR due to increased military activity, air-defence threats at all levels, and lack of coordination between parties in the area.
B9272/25 NOTAMR B9069/25
Q) LEXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/4220N00345W433
A) LECM LECB B) 2512011216 C) 2512312359
E) UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2025, SPANISH CIVIL AIR OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO CONDUCT ANY FLIGHT IN THE AIRSPACE WITHIN THE MAIQUETIA FIR (SVZM), DUE TO THE POTENTIAL RISK TO CIVIL AVIATION FROM INCREASED MILITARY ACTIVITY, ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONS CAPABLE AT ALL ALTITUDES, AND LACK OF COORDINATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THE CONFLICT.
EMERGENCY SITUATION: IN AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THAT EMERGENCY.
Q) LEXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/4220N00345W433
A) LECM LECB B) 2512011216 C) 2512312359
E) UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2025, SPANISH CIVIL AIR OPERATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO CONDUCT ANY FLIGHT IN THE AIRSPACE WITHIN THE MAIQUETIA FIR (SVZM), DUE TO THE POTENTIAL RISK TO CIVIL AVIATION FROM INCREASED MILITARY ACTIVITY, ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONS CAPABLE AT ALL ALTITUDES, AND LACK OF COORDINATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THE CONFLICT.
EMERGENCY SITUATION: IN AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THAT EMERGENCY.
Source: EASA
Reference: Information Note
Issued: 28-Nov-25, valid until: 31 Jan 2026
Plain English: Operators should take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions.
Civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions.
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ Notam A0012/25
Issued: 21-Nov-25, valid until: 19 Feb 2026
Plain English: US operators are advised to use caution in the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR at all levels due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity. Risks are present during all phases of flight.
A0012/25 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QRDLD/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ PART 1 OF 2
B) 2511211743
C) 2602192359
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE MAIQUETIA FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (SVZM)
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE MAIQUETIA FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (SVZM FIR) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO THE WORSENING SECURITY SITUATION AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND VENEZUELA. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT, AND/OR AIRPORTS AND AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND.
REFER TO THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION NOTICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THREAT CONCERNS FOR U.S. CIVIL AVIATION OPERATIONS IN THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE AT HTTPS:// WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS.
PROVIDE AT LEAST 72-HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE OF PLANNED FLIGHTS TO THE FAA AT FAAWATCH@FAA.GOV WITH SPECIFIC FLIGHT DETAILS.
REPORT ANY SAFETY/SECURITY INCIDENTS OBSERVED/EXPERIENCED WHILE OPERATING IN THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE TO THE FAA'S WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT +1 (202) 267-3333
F) SFC
G) UNL
Q) KICZ/QRDLD/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ PART 1 OF 2
B) 2511211743
C) 2602192359
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE MAIQUETIA FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (SVZM)
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE MAIQUETIA FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (SVZM FIR) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO THE WORSENING SECURITY SITUATION AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND VENEZUELA. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT, AND/OR AIRPORTS AND AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND.
REFER TO THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION NOTICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THREAT CONCERNS FOR U.S. CIVIL AVIATION OPERATIONS IN THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE AT HTTPS:// WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS.
PROVIDE AT LEAST 72-HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE OF PLANNED FLIGHTS TO THE FAA AT FAAWATCH@FAA.GOV WITH SPECIFIC FLIGHT DETAILS.
REPORT ANY SAFETY/SECURITY INCIDENTS OBSERVED/EXPERIENCED WHILE OPERATING IN THE AFFECTED AIRSPACE TO THE FAA'S WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT +1 (202) 267-3333
F) SFC
G) UNL
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Venezeula
Issued: 21-Nov-25, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: In late 2025 Venezeula has carried out a mass mobilization of military assets, including the presence of advanced surface-to-air weaponry capable of reaching aircraft at all levels.
While no intent to target civil aviation has been announced, substantial risks exist for overflights.
In addition, there has been an increase in GPS interference in the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR with lasting effects on overflights. Jamming and spoofing may extend as far as 250nm from the source.
While no intent to target civil aviation has been announced, substantial risks exist for overflights.
In addition, there has been an increase in GPS interference in the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR with lasting effects on overflights. Jamming and spoofing may extend as far as 250nm from the source.
FAA Background Information Regarding U.S. Civil Aviation – For the Maiquetia (SVZM) Flight Information Region (FIR)
Since September 2025, there has been an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR), as well as activity associated with increasing Venezuela military readiness. Some civil aircraft recently reported GNSS interference while transiting the SVZM FIR, which, in some cases, caused lingering effects throughout the flight. GNSS jammers and spoofers can affect aircraft out to 250 nautical miles and can impact a wide variety of critical communication, navigation, surveillance, and safety equipment on aircraft. Additionally, since early September, Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and directed the mass mobilization of thousands of military and reserve forces. While Venezuela has at no point expressed an intent to target civil aviation, the Venezuelan military possesses advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching or exceeding civil aircraft operating altitudes, as well as potential low-altitude risk from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and anti-aircraft artillery. The FAA will continue to monitor the risk environment for U.S. civil aviation operating in the region and make adjustments, as appropriate, to safeguard U.S. civil aviation.
Since September 2025, there has been an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR), as well as activity associated with increasing Venezuela military readiness. Some civil aircraft recently reported GNSS interference while transiting the SVZM FIR, which, in some cases, caused lingering effects throughout the flight. GNSS jammers and spoofers can affect aircraft out to 250 nautical miles and can impact a wide variety of critical communication, navigation, surveillance, and safety equipment on aircraft. Additionally, since early September, Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and directed the mass mobilization of thousands of military and reserve forces. While Venezuela has at no point expressed an intent to target civil aviation, the Venezuelan military possesses advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching or exceeding civil aircraft operating altitudes, as well as potential low-altitude risk from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and anti-aircraft artillery. The FAA will continue to monitor the risk environment for U.S. civil aviation operating in the region and make adjustments, as appropriate, to safeguard U.S. civil aviation.