FAA Warns About Flying Over Venezuela

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a new advisory to US airlines warning of heightened risks when flying over Venezuela, citing a worsening security climate and increased military activity in the area. According to the notice, Venezuela’s military capabilities pose potential threats to aircraft at any altitude, Reuters reports.

While the FAA is not banning flights over the country, it now requires US operators to give 72 hours’ notice before entering Venezuelan airspace. The agency cautioned that planes could face dangers not only while cruising, but also during takeoff, landing, or while on the ground at Venezuelan airports. The directive remains in effect until Feb. 19, according to the Washington Post.

The FAA noted that Venezuela has not signaled any intention to target civilian aircraft, but warned that its military maintains advanced fighter jets and air-defense systems capable of threatening civil aviation. The US has also bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying the Navy’s largest aircraft carrier and multiple warships, while conducting operations against vessels that the Trump administration says were carrying drugs.

Direct commercial flights between the US and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, but some US airlines have continued to rely on Venezuelan airspace for routes to other South American destinations. Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines say they have already ceased flying over the country.