Recent developments involving Venezuela continue to drive heightened operational focus across northern South America, the Caribbean, and adjacent overwater routes. While prior short-notice restriction measures tied to early January events have eased, operators should not assume a normal operating environment. New FAA advisories now highlight potentially hazardous conditions across parts of Central America and the eastern Pacific, including the risk of GNSS (GPS) interference.

FAA Warns of Hazardous Conditions in Central America and Eastern Pacific Airspace

The FAA has issued multiple NOTAMs warning of a potentially hazardous operating environment across parts of Central America and adjacent overwater Pacific airspace, effective through March 17, 2026. The advisories cite increased military activity and the risk of GNSS (GPS) interference, which may affect aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight as well as arrival and departure phases.

The impacted areas include the Central America, Panama, Bogotá, Guayaquil, Mazatlán Oceanic, and Mexico FIRs, along with portions of the eastern Pacific. While operations are not prohibited, U.S. operators and crews should anticipate dynamic airspace conditions, potential reroutes or altitude restrictions, and short-notice operational changes. Heightened monitoring and operational awareness are strongly advised for flights operating in the region.

Venezuela Operations: Feasibility Depends on Advance Authorization

We continue to see increased customer interest in operating into Venezuela. Universal Trip Support supports approved operations in close coordination with Universal Aviation Venezuela (Evans Aviation). All trips require advance authorization and full compliance screening prior to confirming services.

Non-governmental flights must obtain a Temporary Sojourn License from the U.S. Treasury in advance. Processing timelines can vary, and early coordination is essential to assess feasibility and avoid delays.

Venezuela Operational Environment: SVMI Status and Current Considerations

Following early January political and security developments, the aviation environment in the region remains unsettled. Caracas–Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI) experienced short-notice disruptions and has since resumed operations, with domestic activity periodically prioritized.

Operators should plan for elevated scrutiny, shifting local conditions, and evolving requirements. Any operator considering Venezuela should coordinate closely in advance to confirm feasibility, authorization status, and compliance requirements before committing to an itinerary.

Caribbean Airspace and Regional Operating Conditions

Airspace Availability

Standard routings across the Caribbean have generally remained available. However, operators should plan for a fluid environment and continue monitoring short-notice NOTAMs, particularly when routing near affected FIR boundaries or transitioning between Caribbean and northern South America routings.

Security Advisories

U.S. security NOTAMs advise operators to exercise caution at all altitudes due to ongoing military activity in selected Caribbean FIRs. These advisories do not necessarily prohibit routing but may apply during overflight, arrival, and departure phases depending on NOTAM scope and operator applicability.

• Piarco FIR (TTZP – Trinidad and Tobago) – west of 0570000W
• Curaçao FIR (TNCF)
• San Juan FIR (TJZS – Puerto Rico)

Congestion and Ground Constraints

Peak winter demand continues to drive congestion-related impacts across parts of the region. Operators should expect evolving PPR requirements, ramp saturation, and tightening service capacity at high-traffic airports. Conservative planning, confirmed handling, and alternate strategies remain recommended.

Planning Guidance for Operators

• Route planning: Build additional flexibility for flights operating in or near the Central America, Panama, Bogotá, Guayaquil, Mazatlán Oceanic, and Mexico FIRs through March 17, 2026.
• Navigation resilience: Assume possible GNSS degradation and review mitigation procedures appropriate to aircraft capability and operator policy.
• Venezuela feasibility: Do not assume services can be confirmed without advance authorization and compliance screening; plan lead time for Temporary Sojourn License requirements where applicable.
• Short-notice changes: Expect potential reroutes, altitude restrictions, and dynamic constraints, particularly for overwater routings.

Bottom Line

The operating environment across northern South America and adjacent Caribbean and eastern Pacific routings remains dynamic. Operators should plan conservatively, monitor NOTAMs closely, and coordinate early for any Venezuela-related missions due to authorization and compliance requirements. For flights operating across the broader region, heightened awareness is advised through March 17, 2026 due to FAA hazardous-condition advisories and potential GNSS interference.