FAA Advises Caution for US Airlines Flying Over Venezuela
WASHINGTON – The federal Aviation Governance (FAA) issued a notice Friday advising U.S.airlines of potential risks when flying over Venezuela, citing increased military activity and reports of navigation interference. Direct passenger or cargo flights between the US and Venezuela have been suspended as 2019, though some US carriers previously flew over the country on routes to South America.
The FAA stated that as September, there has been a rise in interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in Venezuela, sometimes causing lingering effects during flight. This coincides with “activities associated with increased Venezuelan military readiness,” including several military exercises and the mobilization of thousands of military and reserve forces.
While the FAA order does not ban flights over Venezuela,it highlights concerns about the Venezuelan Armed Forces’ advanced combat aircraft and weapons systems capable of reaching civilian aircraft altitudes. The agency also noted a potential risk from low-altitude air defense and anti-aircraft artillery systems.The FAA emphasized that Venezuela has not indicated any intention to target civil aviation.
American Airlines confirmed it stopped flying over Venezuela in October. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have not yet commented on the FAA advisory. the FAA will continue to monitor the situation and assess risks to U.S. civil aviation in the region.
