Venezuela
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
[ about risk levels ]
On 3 Jan 2026, the FAA issued a temporary flight ban for US operators in the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR and parts of surrounding Caribbean FIRs due to safety-of-flight risks following US airstrikes in Venezuela.
That prohibition was short-lived. Subsequent FAA Notams have returned the guidance to an advisory, with US operators now advised to exercise caution at all altitudes in SVZM while military activity continues in and around Venezuela.
Several states along with EASA have also issued airspace warnings advising operators to avoid Venezuelan airspace, and to exercise caution or avoid parts of the surrounding Caribbean airspace due to spillover risk.
Earlier airspace warnings for the region flagged GPS interference, unpredictable military traffic at all levels, and reduced ATC visibility - issues operators have been encountering in the region over the past few months.
The primary risks currently include military aircraft operating close to civil traffic, the potential for misidentification, and reduced ATC and traffic visibility.
Major Events:
Jan 2026: US conducts airstrikes in Venezuela. Intense military activity reported in Caracas. FAA issues multiple prohibition Notams affecting SVZM and adjacent Caribbean FIRs.
Late 2025: Expanded US naval and air operations in the southern Caribbean raise regional risk levels and prompt objections from Venezuela.
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for SVZM, citing GPS interference and increased military activity. Multiple international airlines suspend services or reroute.
That prohibition was short-lived. Subsequent FAA Notams have returned the guidance to an advisory, with US operators now advised to exercise caution at all altitudes in SVZM while military activity continues in and around Venezuela.
Several states along with EASA have also issued airspace warnings advising operators to avoid Venezuelan airspace, and to exercise caution or avoid parts of the surrounding Caribbean airspace due to spillover risk.
Earlier airspace warnings for the region flagged GPS interference, unpredictable military traffic at all levels, and reduced ATC visibility - issues operators have been encountering in the region over the past few months.
The primary risks currently include military aircraft operating close to civil traffic, the potential for misidentification, and reduced ATC and traffic visibility.
Major Events:
Jan 2026: US conducts airstrikes in Venezuela. Intense military activity reported in Caracas. FAA issues multiple prohibition Notams affecting SVZM and adjacent Caribbean FIRs.
Late 2025: Expanded US naval and air operations in the southern Caribbean raise regional risk levels and prompt objections from Venezuela.
Nov 2025: FAA issues airspace warning for SVZM, citing GPS interference and increased military activity. Multiple international airlines suspend services or reroute.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Notam CZQX H0167/26 | 12 Jan 2026 | 31 Jan 2026 | |
| EASA | CZIB 2026-01 R1 | 09 Jan 2026 | 31 Jan 2026 | |
| Germany | Notam EDWW B0016/26 | 08 Jan 2026 | 27 Feb 2026 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0011/26 | 04 Jan 2026 | 02 Feb 2026 | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0008/26 A0009/26 A0010/26 | 04 Jan 2026 | 02 Feb 2026 | |
| UK | Notam EGTT V0002/26 & V0003/26 | 03 Jan 2026 | 02 Feb 2026 | |
| Portugal | Notam LPPC A6037/25 | 23 Dec 2025 | 31 Jan 2026 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Venezeula | 21 Nov 2025 | Ongoing |
Source: Canada
Reference: Notam CZQX H0167/26
Issued: 12-Jan-26, valid until: 31 Jan 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes on 3 Jan, Canadian operators should stay at FL200 or above in Venezuelan airspace, and exercise caution within 100nm OF the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR.
H0167/26 NOTAMR H0050/26
Q) CZXX/QXXXX/IV/NBO/E/000/999/5243N05321W999
A) CZUL CZQM CZQX B) 2601121934 C) 2601312100 EST
E) CANADIAN AIR OPERATORS AND OWNERS OF AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN CANADA ARE RECOMMENDED TO MAINTAIN A FLIGHT LEVEL EQUAL TO OR ABOVE FL200 IN FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE ALL POTENTIAL RISK INFORMATION INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT AND ROUTING DECISIONS WHEN OPERATING WITHIN 100NM OF FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM) WITHIN FIR SAN JUAN (TJZS), FIR BARRANQUILLA (SKEC), FIR BOGOTA (SKED) , FIR AMAZONICA (SBAZ), FIR GEORGETOWN (SYGC), FIR PIARCO (TTZP) AND FIR CURACAO (TNCF) DUE TO POTENTIAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MILITARY OPERATIONS WITHIN AND NEAR VENEZUELA.
Q) CZXX/QXXXX/IV/NBO/E/000/999/5243N05321W999
A) CZUL CZQM CZQX B) 2601121934 C) 2601312100 EST
E) CANADIAN AIR OPERATORS AND OWNERS OF AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN CANADA ARE RECOMMENDED TO MAINTAIN A FLIGHT LEVEL EQUAL TO OR ABOVE FL200 IN FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE ALL POTENTIAL RISK INFORMATION INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT AND ROUTING DECISIONS WHEN OPERATING WITHIN 100NM OF FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM) WITHIN FIR SAN JUAN (TJZS), FIR BARRANQUILLA (SKEC), FIR BOGOTA (SKED) , FIR AMAZONICA (SBAZ), FIR GEORGETOWN (SYGC), FIR PIARCO (TTZP) AND FIR CURACAO (TNCF) DUE TO POTENTIAL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MILITARY OPERATIONS WITHIN AND NEAR VENEZUELA.
Source: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2026-01 R1
Issued: 09-Jan-26, valid until: 31 Jan 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes on 3 Jan, operators should avoid Venezuelan airspace; and exercise caution in the TJZS/San Juan and TNCF/Curacao FIRs, and the TTZP/Piarco FIR west of 57W.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, Member States and the European Commission in order to share information which is considered necessary to ensure the safety of flights over zones of interest and indicate areas of high risk.
On 3 January 2026, the United States conducted military strikes targeting land-based assets in Venezuela.
The presence and possible use of a wide range of weapons and air-defence systems, combined with unpredictable state responses and the potential activation of SAM systems, creates a high risk to civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.
Considering the US strikes and the overall high level of tensions, Venezuela is likely to maintain elevated alert levels for its air force and air defence units nationwide, particularly in light of the potential for further ad hoc military actions. Consequently, the risk of miscalculation and/or misidentification is assessed as high within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM).
Given the deployment and potential use of military assets in the region, spillover risks exist in neighbouring airspace that air operators should take into account in their flight planning and routing decisions.
EASA, the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
Air operators should:
Not operate within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM) at all altitudes and flight levels;
Exercise caution and implement contingency planning for operations and routing planning within the airspace of:
a. FIR San Juan (TJZS),
b. FIR Curacao (TNCF), and
c. FIR Piarco (TTZP) west of 57° 00′ 00″ W.
Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
On 3 January 2026, the United States conducted military strikes targeting land-based assets in Venezuela.
The presence and possible use of a wide range of weapons and air-defence systems, combined with unpredictable state responses and the potential activation of SAM systems, creates a high risk to civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.
Considering the US strikes and the overall high level of tensions, Venezuela is likely to maintain elevated alert levels for its air force and air defence units nationwide, particularly in light of the potential for further ad hoc military actions. Consequently, the risk of miscalculation and/or misidentification is assessed as high within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM).
Given the deployment and potential use of military assets in the region, spillover risks exist in neighbouring airspace that air operators should take into account in their flight planning and routing decisions.
EASA, the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
Air operators should:
Not operate within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM) at all altitudes and flight levels;
Exercise caution and implement contingency planning for operations and routing planning within the airspace of:
a. FIR San Juan (TJZS),
b. FIR Curacao (TNCF), and
c. FIR Piarco (TTZP) west of 57° 00′ 00″ W.
Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
Source: Germany
Reference: Notam EDWW B0016/26
Issued: 08-Jan-26, valid until: 27 Feb 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes on 3 Jan, caution to German operators in Venezuelan airspace due to the potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.
B0016/26 NOTAMR B0005/26
Q) EDXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/5123N01019E262
A) EDMM EDGG EDWW B) 2601081611 C) 2602272359
E) SECURITY - HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN VENEZUELA CIVIL GERMAN AIR OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE POTENTIAL RISK INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT AND ROUTING DECISIONS WITHIN FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM ANTI-AVIATION WEAPONRY AND MILITARY OPERATIONS.
Q) EDXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/5123N01019E262
A) EDMM EDGG EDWW B) 2601081611 C) 2602272359
E) SECURITY - HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN VENEZUELA CIVIL GERMAN AIR OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE POTENTIAL RISK INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT AND ROUTING DECISIONS WITHIN FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM ANTI-AVIATION WEAPONRY AND MILITARY OPERATIONS.
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0011/26
Issued: 04-Jan-26, valid until: 02 Feb 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes on 3 Jan, US operators should exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace at all altitudes due to military activity.
A0011/26 NOTAMR A0015/25
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
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 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.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
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 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.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0008/26 A0009/26 A0010/26
Issued: 04-Jan-26, valid until: 02 Feb 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes in Venezuela on 3 Jan, US operators are advised to exercise caution at all altitudes in the TJZS/San Juan and TNCF/Curacao FIRs, plus the TTZP/Piarco FIR west of 57W (covering the entire eastern Caribbean island chain), due to potential risks from ongoing military activity.
A0008/26 NOTAMR A0011/25
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/1815N06617W300
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE SAN JUAN FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TJZS).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE SAN JUAN FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TJZS) DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITIES.
F) SFC
G) UNL
A0009/26 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL
A0010/26 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE PIARCO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TTZP).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE PIARCO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION WEST OF 0570000W (TTZP) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/1815N06617W300
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE SAN JUAN FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TJZS).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE SAN JUAN FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TJZS) DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITIES.
F) SFC
G) UNL
A0009/26 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE CURACAO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TNCF) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL
A0010/26 NOTAMN
Q) KICZ/QWTLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/
A) KICZ
B) 2601040501
C) 2602020500
E) SECURITY...UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE PIARCO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (TTZP).
OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE PIARCO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION WEST OF 0570000W (TTZP) AT ALL ALTITUDES DUE TO MILITARY ACTIVITY. THREATS COULD POSE A POTENTIAL RISK TO AIRCRAFT AT ALL ALTITUDES, INCLUDING DURING OVERFLIGHT, THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PHASES OF FLIGHT.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Source: UK
Reference: Notam EGTT V0002/26 & V0003/26
Issued: 03-Jan-26, valid until: 02 Feb 2026
Plain English: Following US airstrikes on 3 Jan, UK operators should avoid Venezuelan airspace and exercise caution in adjacent Caribbean FIRs of TNCF/Curacao and TTZP/Piarco.
V0002/26 NOTAMN
Q) EGXX/QROXX/IV/NBO/W /000/999/5218N01451W999
A) EGTT EGPX EGGX
B) 2601031115
C) 2604021200
E) SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN VENEZUELA. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED NOT TO ENTER FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK FROM ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONRY AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY. AR-2026-32/01.
F) SFC
G) UNL
V0003/26 NOTAMN
Q) EGXX/QROXX/IV/NBO/W /000/999/5218N01451W999
A) EGTT EGPX EGGX
B) 2601031116
C) 2604021200
E) SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE VICINITY OF VENEZUELA. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED TO TAKE THE RISK INTO ACCOUNT IN FIR CURACAO (TNCF) AND FIR PIARCO (TTZP) WHEN OPERATING WITHIN 100 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE BOUNDARY WITH FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK FROM ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONRY AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY. AR-2026-33/01.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Q) EGXX/QROXX/IV/NBO/W /000/999/5218N01451W999
A) EGTT EGPX EGGX
B) 2601031115
C) 2604021200
E) SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN VENEZUELA. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED NOT TO ENTER FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK FROM ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONRY AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY. AR-2026-32/01.
F) SFC
G) UNL
V0003/26 NOTAMN
Q) EGXX/QROXX/IV/NBO/W /000/999/5218N01451W999
A) EGTT EGPX EGGX
B) 2601031116
C) 2604021200
E) SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE VICINITY OF VENEZUELA. UK REGISTERED AIR OPERATORS ARE RECOMMENDED TO TAKE THE RISK INTO ACCOUNT IN FIR CURACAO (TNCF) AND FIR PIARCO (TTZP) WHEN OPERATING WITHIN 100 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE BOUNDARY WITH FIR MAIQUETIA (SVZM). POTENTIAL RISK FROM ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONRY AND HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY. AR-2026-33/01.
F) SFC
G) UNL
Source: Portugal
Reference: Notam LPPC A6037/25
Issued: 23-Dec-25, valid until: 31 Jan 2026
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.
A6037/25 NOTAMR A5741/25
Q) LPXX/QAFXX/IV/NBO/E /000/999/3100N02417W999
A) LPPC LPPO
B) 2512231231
C) 2601312359
E) UNTIL 31 JANUARY 2026, 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) 2512231231
C) 2601312359
E) UNTIL 31 JANUARY 2026, 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: 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.