US FAA Warns Airlines Over Venezuela Amid Rising Military Activity

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines about flying in Venezuelan airspace due to increasing military activity and a worsening security situation in the region. The notice, released on Friday, urges pilots and airlines to exercise extra caution, although it does not ban flights over the country.

The warning comes amid a significant deployment of US forces near Venezuela, including advanced aircraft carriers, warships, F-35 stealth fighters, and thousands of troops. US officials said the military presence is part of operations targeting Latin American drug trafficking networks.

Since September, Venezuela has conducted multiple large-scale military exercises and mobilized thousands of military and reserve personnel. The FAA reported that interference with global navigation satellite systems in Venezuelan airspace has also increased, which can affect flight navigation. However, Venezuelan authorities have not indicated any intent to target civil aviation.

The FAA advised that all phases of flight in Venezuelan airspace—including overflights, arrivals, departures, and airport operations—should be approached with caution. US airlines flying over Venezuela en route to other South American destinations must now provide 72 hours' notice to the FAA. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, have already stopped overflying Venezuelan airspace.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has criticized the US military build-up, claiming it could be a pretext to remove him from power. Meanwhile, US forces have reportedly engaged in strikes against vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people accused of drug trafficking, though evidence of criminal activity has not been publicly provided.

Direct flights between the US and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019. The FAA said it will continue monitoring the security situation in the region and adjust guidance for civil aviation as needed.

The warning highlights growing tensions between Washington and Caracas amid heightened military activity and concerns for airline safety in Venezuelan skies.