International News: Federal Aviation Administration issues warning over flights near Venezuela

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical advisory, urging commercial airlines to exercise extreme caution when operating within Venezuelan airspace. This warning stems from a "potentially hazardous situation" characterized by deteriorating security conditions and heightened military activity across the region. The advisory specifically targets the Maiquetia Flight Information Region, identifying risks at all flight altitudes, including critical phases such as takeoff, landing, and ground operations.

A significant concern highlighted by the FAA involves a surge in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference. Reports of jamming and spoofing have escalated since September, impacting aircraft even after they exit Venezuelan airspace. The agency warns that these GNSS disruptions can compromise vital communication, navigation, and safety systems up to 250 nautical miles away, posing a substantial threat to flight integrity and operational safety for international carriers.

In response to these escalating threats, the FAA mandates that airlines planning to transit the affected area provide 72 hours' advance notice to the agency. While direct U.S. flights to Venezuela have remained suspended since 2019, numerous international airlines continue to utilize Venezuelan airspace for routes connecting to other South American destinations, making this advisory crucial for global commercial aviation operations. The increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, aimed at combating drug-trafficking, contributes to the complex security landscape necessitating this heightened alert.