US Operations Close Venezuelan Airspace; FAA and EASA Issue Global Rerouting Advisories.

January 10, 2026 at 12:34 PM•3 min read

FAA and EASA issued urgent advisories following US military operations in Venezuela, closing its airspace and disrupting key Caribbean Flight Information Regions.

Key Points

1300+ Caribbean flights were cancelled in the first 72 hours following the initial airspace restrictions.
2FAA's initial prohibition was replaced by an advisory, but EASA's strong recommendation to avoid Venezuelan airspace remains active.
3Rerouting around the conflict zone adds between 30 and 90 minutes to flight times, increasing fuel burn and operational costs.
4GPS/GNSS interference and the risk of misidentification pose significant safety concerns for adjacent Caribbean Flight Information Regions.

Coordinated US military operations Venezuela began on January 3, 2026. This action triggered the immediate Venezuelan airspace closure to civil traffic. The event caused widespread disruption across the Caribbean Flight Information Regions. Global aviation authorities quickly issued emergency warnings. This situation requires a critical Global aviation risk update for all operators.

Regulatory Response and Risk Assessment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acted first. They issued an emergency NOTAM on January 3. This prohibited US civil aircraft from the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM). The ban also covered parts of the wider Caribbean Corridor. This initial prohibition was temporary. The FAA later reverted to an advisory. US operators must now exercise caution in the area.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also responded. EASA issued a Conflict Zone Bulletin (CZB). This advised European operators to avoid Venezuelan airspace entirely. The regulator cited a high risk of misidentification. This is due to potential use of air-defence systems. The EASA advisory remains active. Both FAA EASA advisories underscore the serious conflict zone airspace risk.

Operational Impact on Commercial Aviation

The sudden restrictions caused massive airline operational disruption. Over 300 Caribbean flights were cancelled in the first 72 hours. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) saw hundreds of cancellations. Major hubs affected included Miami (MIA) and Bogotá (BOG). Airlines were forced into Commercial flight rerouting.

Flight tracking data showed commercial aircraft avoiding the area. Rerouting paths added significant flight time. Operators reported an extra 30 to 90 minutes per flight. This extended routing also increased fuel consumption and costs. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) monitors such geopolitical risks. The crisis demonstrates how instability quickly impacts airline schedules. Major manufacturers like Airbus also track these operational shifts.

Navigation and Safety Concerns

Beyond direct military threats, other risks emerged. There are multiple reports of GNSS GPS interference. This jamming and spoofing degrades navigation systems. Such interference can extend hundreds of miles from the source. Pilots face challenges with Air Traffic Control (ATC) communication. Unpredictable military traffic further complicates the situation.

Outlook and Industry Takeaways

While the initial ban was lifted, the Venezuelan airspace closure is effectively ongoing. Most international carriers continue to avoid the Maiquetia FIR. The situation remains fluid with frequent NOTAM updates. Operators must maintain heightened awareness of spillover risks. This event highlights the need for robust contingency planning. For the latest commercial aviation news and updates, visit flying.flights.