The U.S Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning to major airlines about a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela urging caution due to a worsening security environment and heightened military activity.
The FAA said these threats could affect aircraft at all altitudes noting an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System interference since September which has in some cases caused lingering effects during flights.
In recent months the U.S has mounted a significant military buildup in the region including its largest aircraft carrier eight warships and F-35 jets The Trump administration has also targeted boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela and other Latin American nations.
While direct flights between the U.S and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019 some U.S airlines still fly over the country on South American routes American Airlines stopped overflying Venezuela in October Delta Air Lines ended its flights over the country some time ago and United Airlines has not commented.
The FAA now requires U.S carriers to notify the agency at least 72 hours in advance of planned flights though it has not banned overflights The agency noted that Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized thousands of forces possessing advanced fighter jets and weapons systems capable of reaching civil aircraft altitudes with potential low-altitude risks from air defense and anti-aircraft artillery.
Despite the warning the FAA stressed that Venezuela has not expressed any intent to target civilian aviation and the agency will continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of U.S flights in the region.
