The validity of the CZIB has been extended until 31 January 2026.
The recommendation not to operate in FIR Maiquetia (SVZM) remains unchanged.
A new recommendation has been added to exercise caution and implement contingency planning for operations in FIR San Juan (TJZS), FIR Curacao (TNCF) and FIR Piarco (TTZP) west of 57°00′00″ W.
31/01/2026, unless reviewed earlier.
Referenced publication(s):
Aeronautical Publications issued by Venezuela, neighbouring countries, and by the State of Operator.
All altitudes/flight levels in the airspace of:
- FIR Maiquetia (SVZM);
- FIR San Juan (TJZS);
- FIR Curacao (TNCF);
- FIR Piarco (TTZP) west of 57° 00′ 00″ W
Air operators:
- subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012, planning to conduct operations in the affected airspace.
- third Country Operators authorised by EASA, when conducting operations under their TCO authorisation to, from and within the EU.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, Member States and the European Commission in order to share information which is considered necessary to ensure the safety of flights over zones of interest and indicate areas of high risk.
On 3 January 2026, the United States conducted military strikes targeting land-based assets in Venezuela.
The presence and possible use of a wide range of weapons and air-defence systems, combined with unpredictable state responses and the potential activation of SAM systems, creates a high risk to civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.
Considering the US strikes and the overall high level of tensions, Venezuela is likely to maintain elevated alert levels for its air force and air defence units nationwide, particularly in light of the potential for further ad hoc military actions. Consequently, the risk of miscalculation and/or misidentification is assessed as high within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM).
Given the deployment and potential use of military assets in the region, spillover risks exist in neighbouring airspace that air operators should take into account in their flight planning and routing decisions.
EASA, the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
Air operators should:
- Not operate within FIR Maiquetia (SVZM) at all altitudes and flight levels;
- Exercise caution and implement contingency planning for operations and routing planning within the airspace of:
a. FIR San Juan (TJZS),
b. FIR Curacao (TNCF), and
c. FIR Piarco (TTZP) west of 57° 00′ 00″ W. - Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.