FAA warns over Venezuela airspace; multiple airlines suspend flights
The FAA issued an advisory warning all pilots and operators about a “worsening security situation” over Venezuela, citing heightened military activity and mass mobilization, potential low‑altitude threats such as MANPADS and anti‑aircraft artillery (while noting Venezuela has not indicated intent to target civil aviation), and increased GNSS interference since September 2025 from jammers/spoofers that can affect aircraft up to 250 nautical miles; it also asked operators to provide at least 72 hours’ notice to fly through the Maiquetia (SVZM) FIR. In response, at least six carriers — LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Avianca and TAP — suspended flights to Venezuela (Turkish announced a Nov. 24–28 pause), several other airlines have stopped overflying the country (including American and United), and some carriers such as Copa, Air Europa and PlusUltra have so far continued service.
📌 Key Facts
- The FAA issued a safety advisory/NOTAM warning of a worsening security situation and heightened military activity over Venezuela, emphasizing threats to aircraft at all altitudes during overflight, arrival/departure and on the ground.
- The FAA asked operators to provide at least 72 hours’ advance notice if they plan to fly through the Maiquetia (SVZM) FIR.
- The advisory cited increased GNSS interference since September 2025 — warning that jammers/spoofers can affect aircraft out to about 250 nautical miles and can have lingering effects throughout a flight.
- The FAA noted Venezuela’s recent mass mobilization and military exercises and warned of potential low‑altitude risks from MANPADS and anti‑aircraft artillery, while saying Venezuela has not indicated intent to target civil aviation.
- Multiple carriers suspended flights to Venezuela after the FAA alert; named airlines include LATAM, Iberia, Avianca, TAP and Turkish Airlines, with reports also naming Caribbean Airlines and Brazil’s GOL among those canceling service.
- Turkish Airlines specifically announced cancellations for Nov. 24–28 (reported as Sunday through Friday in some accounts).
- ALAV president Marisela de Loaiza confirmed the weekend cancellations but did not specify how long suspensions will last; Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the flight suspensions as a "crime against humanity."
- Some carriers — including Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, and Venezuela’s LASER — were reported as continuing service for now, while American and United have already stopped overflying Venezuelan airspace (American reportedly stopped in October; Delta said it stopped earlier).
💡 Insights
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📰 Sources (4)
- ALAV president Marisela de Loaiza said Iberia, TAP, LATAM, Avianca and Brazil’s GOL have suspended flights to Venezuela; durations not specified.
- Turkish Airlines announced it will cancel flights to Venezuela from Nov. 24–28.
- Copa Airlines (Panama), Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, and Venezuela’s LASER are continuing service for now.
- American Airlines and United Airlines told CBS News they have already stopped overflying Venezuelan airspace.
- FAA advisory language emphasized threats to aircraft at all altitudes during overflight, arrival/departure, and on the ground.
- At least six airlines — LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Avianca and TAP — suspended flights to Venezuela after the FAA’s Friday NOTAM about a worsening security situation and heightened military activity.
- ALAV president Marisela de Loaiza confirmed the cancellations occurred over the weekend but did not specify how long suspensions would last.
- Turkish Airlines said it would not fly to the region from Sunday through Friday.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly criticized the flight suspensions on X, calling blocking flights a crime against humanity.
- FAA asks operators to provide at least 72 hours’ advance notice if they plan to fly through the Maiquetia (SVZM) FIR.
- FAA cites increased GNSS interference since September 2025, noting jammers/spoofers can affect aircraft out to 250 nautical miles and cause lingering effects throughout a flight.
- Advisory details Venezuela’s recent mass mobilization and exercises and notes potential low‑altitude risks from MANPADS and anti‑aircraft artillery, while stating Venezuela has not indicated intent to target civil aviation.
- Operational context: American Airlines stopped overflying Venezuela in October; Delta says it stopped 'a while ago.'