Venezuela
Risk Level: Two - Danger exists
[ about risk levels ]
Nov 2025: The US FAA has issued an active airspace warning for the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR due to a worsening security picture, GPS interference and heightened military activity around Venezuela. Several international airlines have now suspended flights and are avoiding the FIR entirely. This comes alongside increased US military activity in the southern Caribbean and Venezuelan objections to the expanded US presence.
The primary risks are GPS interference, unpredictable state aircraft activity at all levels, and the presence of advanced Venezuelan air-defence systems capable of reaching civil cruising altitudes. Misidentification, short-notice airspace changes and limited diversion options all increase operational uncertainty for overflights.
Major Events:
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for the SVZM FIR, confirms GPS interference and increased military activity. Several airlines suspend flights and reroute to avoid Venezuelan airspace.
Late 2025: US naval activity and strikes on suspected smuggling boats increase across the southern Caribbean. Venezuela publicly objects to the buildup, raising regional tension.
The primary risks are GPS interference, unpredictable state aircraft activity at all levels, and the presence of advanced Venezuelan air-defence systems capable of reaching civil cruising altitudes. Misidentification, short-notice airspace changes and limited diversion options all increase operational uncertainty for overflights.
Major Events:
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for the SVZM FIR, confirms GPS interference and increased military activity. Several airlines suspend flights and reroute to avoid Venezuelan airspace.
Late 2025: US naval activity and strikes on suspected smuggling boats increase across the southern Caribbean. Venezuela publicly objects to the buildup, raising regional tension.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Notam LECM B9069/25 | 24 Nov 2025 | 01 Dec 2025 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ Notam A0012/25 | 21 Nov 2025 | 19 Feb 2026 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Venezeula | 21 Nov 2025 | Ongoing |
Source: Spain
Reference: Notam LECM B9069/25
Issued: 24-Nov-25, valid until: 01 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.
B9069/25 NOTAMN
Q) LEXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/4220N00345W433
A) LECM LECB B) 2511241537 C) 2512012359
E) UNTIL DECEMBER 01, 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) 2511241537 C) 2512012359
E) UNTIL DECEMBER 01, 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: 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.