FAA Issues Security Notam for Venezuelan Airspace

The FAA on Friday issued a security notam warning U.S. civil aviation operators of “potentially hazardous” conditions in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR), citing a worsening security environment and increased Venezuelan military activity. The notam is effective through Feb. 19, 2026.

Per the notam, the FAA also now requires U.S. operators to “provide at least 72-hour advance notice of planned flights to the FAA at [email protected] with specific flight details.” It also directs crews to report any observed security issues to the agency's Washington, D.C.-based operations center.

“Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela,” according to the notam. The agency said threats “could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground.”

A background statement released the same day as the notam details recent operational hazards. Since September, the agency said there has been “an increase in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region…as well as activity associated with increasing Venezuela military readiness.” GNSS jammers and spoofers may affect aircraft “out to 250 nautical miles” and disrupt communication, navigation, and surveillance systems.

The FAA added that Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized thousands of personnel, increasing risk despite no stated intention to target civil aviation.

U.S. carriers have already been barred from operating to and from Venezuela since 2019, when the Department of Transportation suspended such service after DHS determined that “conditions in Venezuela threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew.”

The FAA said it will continue monitoring the SVZM FIR hazard environment and adjust advisories as necessary.