US Issues Civilian Flight Warning for Venezuela Amid Heightened Military Activity & Regional Buildup

US Issues Civilian Flight Warning for Venezuela Amid Heightened Military Activity

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently issued a significant warning to major airlines, highlighting potential dangers for civilian aircraft operating within Venezuelan airspace. This alert comes amid a noticeable increase in military activities and a substantial buildup of US forces in the region.

FAA Cites Worsening Security Situation

On Friday, November 22, 2025, the FAA's NOTAM explicitly cited a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela" as the primary reason for the advisory. While the notice stopped short of an outright ban, it strongly urged all aircraft flying through the area to "exercise caution." This recommendation applies to all phases of flight – including overflight, arrival, departure, and even aircraft on the ground – due to identified threats at all altitudes.

Rising GNSS Interference and Venezuelan Military Readiness

Background information provided by the FAA reveals a concerning trend since September. There has been a rise in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference within Venezuelan airspace, which has, in some instances, led to "lingering effects throughout a flight." This interference is linked to increased "Venezuela military readiness." Furthermore, Venezuela has reportedly conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized thousands of military and reserve forces since September. Despite these actions, the FAA clarified that Venezuela has not indicated any intent to target civil aviation.

US Military Buildup and Regional Tensions

This airspace warning coincides with a substantial deployment of US military assets to the region. Washington has sent its most advanced aircraft carrier strike group, numerous navy warships, thousands of troops, and F-35 stealth aircraft. The stated purpose of this deployment is a military operation targeting Latin American drug trafficking cartels.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, however, has expressed strong concerns, suggesting that the US military buildup could be a pretext for an attempt to remove him from power. The Trump administration has intensified its rhetoric against Caracas, including accusations of drug trafficking against Maduro himself.

Controversy Over US Maritime Operations

The US forces are also actively involved in operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Since early September, the US has reportedly attacked approximately 20 vessels, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals accused of involvement in drug trafficking. Legal experts have raised alarms, accusing the Trump administration of potentially carrying out extrajudicial killings in international waters, as the US military has yet to provide public evidence supporting the claims that these vessels or their occupants were involved in criminal activity or posed a threat to the United States.

Airline Responses and New Requirements

In response to the FAA's warning, changes in flight operations are already being observed. American Airlines confirmed on Friday that it ceased overflying Venezuela in October. Other major carriers like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines had no immediate comment. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates that US flight operators must now provide 72 hours' prior notice to the FAA before traversing Venezuelan airspace.

The FAA has stated its commitment to continuously monitor the risk environment for US civil aviation in the region, promising to make further adjustments as necessary.