Europe’s aviation regulator has issued a strong safety warning urging carriers to avoid Venezuelan airspace entirely, citing a heightened risk to civil flights from military activities and unpredictable defense systems. According to FlightGlobal journalist David Kaminski-Morrow, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bulletin dated 3 January 2026 instructs operators not to fly into the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR) at any altitude.
The advisory follows escalating geopolitical tensions in the region and aims to protect passengers and crew by rerouting flights away from potential threat zones. EASA highlights the possible presence of surface-to-air missile systems and other weapons that present unacceptable risks to commercial aircraft transiting Venezuelan controlled airspace.
What EASA’s Advisory Means for Airlines
EASA’s directive stresses operators should:
- Refrain from all flights within the Venezuelan FIR at any altitude
- Closely monitor regional airspace developments
- Follow updated aeronautical publications and national authority guidance
The Maiquetía FIR covers the entire airspace of Venezuela, extending over land and portions of the southern Caribbean.
Global Safety Notices Mirror EASA’s Guidance
The US Federal Aviation Administration has separately issued security NOTAMs urging caution over the same Venezuelan FIR. The FAA’s notices cite increased military activity and potential Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, which can disrupt critical avionics and navigation systems.
Similarly, Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) warned Spanish carriers to avoid the Venezuelan FIR through late 2025, a measure that led airlines like Iberia and Air Europa to suspend flights.
Industry Reactions & Operational Impacts
Airlines around the world are adjusting flight plans to maintain safety. News reports indicate that several international operators, including Turkish Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, and TAP Air Portugal, temporarily halted services linked to Venezuela after risk advisories were issued.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on Venezuelan authorities to clarify operating conditions and restore safe connectivity for airlines, highlighting the importance of consistent safety standards and transparent communications for global operations.
Why Avoiding Venezuelan Airspace Is Critical
Flight planning over sovereign airspace depends on ICAO-defined Flight Information Regions, which are determined by national responsibility for air traffic services. The Maiquetía FIR, designated by ICAO, encompasses all of Venezuela’s civil airspace and overseen by its civil aviation authority.
When risk levels rise due to potential military engagement or defence system activations, regulators like EASA and FAA can issue advisories affecting international carriers, though they cannot legally “close” airspace, that authority rests with the sovereign state. (Note: U.S. political claims about “airspace closure” do not constitute legal control over Venezuelan sovereign airspace).
Sources
- EASA advises carriers to avoid entirety of Venezuelan airspace, FlightGlobal.
- EASA operational risk advisory PDF, EASA official recommendation.
- IATA calls on Venezuelan government to reconsider operating permits, IATA.
- Spain’s AESA warns airlines to suspend Venezuela flights, Euro Weekly News report.
- US FAA security NOTAM for Venezuelan airspace, Flightradar24 Blog analysis.
- Airlines halting Venezuela services after warnings, Travel And Tour World.
