On Friday, 21 November 2025, the US FAA issues a security NOTAM cautioning civil aircraft operators about potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace. The FAA says the NOTAM is the result of increased GNSS interference in Venezuelan airspace and military drills beginning in September. US operators must now provide 72 hours prior notice to the FAA before flying through Venezuela. As part of an order issued in 2019, US airlines are already prohibited from flying to/from Venezuela.
The new security NOTAM
What is Venezuelan airspace?
The FAA NOTAM covers the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) flight information region. Flight information regions are how air traffic control authority is divided around the world. They are not national boundaries. Venezuela manages the MAIQUETIA FIR, which includes all of Venezuelan land and extends into the Caribbean Sea to
Spain and Portugal add their own NOTAMs
Following the issuance of the US’ security NOTAM and the increased presence of military aircraft in the area, Spain and Portugal both issued NOTAMs urging operators based in their respective countries to avoid Venezuelan airspace.
Spain’s NOTAM reads, in part, “Until December 31, 2025, Spanish civil air operators are strongly advised not to conduct any flight in the airspace within the Maiquetia fir (SVZM), due to the potential risk to civil aviation
from increased military activity, anti-aircraft weapons capable at all altitudes, and lack of coordination between the parties to the conflict.” [emphasis added]
Portugal’s advisory is is similar in nature, but expires on 10 December, though extension is possible.
The two NOTAMs affected flights to Caracas by Portugal’s TAP and IberoJet, and Spain’s Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra.
