EASA Issues High-Risk Warning for Venezuelan Airspace Following Military Strikes

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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a critical Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB No.: 2026-01) regarding the airspace of Venezuela. This bulletin comes in immediate response to recent military escalations in the region and carries significant implications for international flight planning.

Overview of the Risk

On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted military strikes targeting land-based assets within Venezuela3. Following these events, EASA has assessed the risk to civil aviation as high at all altitudes and flight levels within the Maiquetia FIR (SVZM).

The primary concerns cited by the agency include:

  • Weaponry & Air Defense: The presence of a wide range of weapons and the potential activation of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems.

  • Unpredictable Responses: High potential for miscalculation or misidentification of civil aircraft by state air defense units.

  • Elevated Alert Levels: Venezuela is expected to maintain nationwide high alert levels for its air force and air defense units, especially considering the possibility of further ad hoc military actions.

Who is Affected?

The CZIB applies to several categories of air operators:

  • EU Operators: Those subject to Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012.

  • Third Country Operators (TCO): Operators authorized by EASA when conducting flights to, from, or within the EU.

EASA Recommendations

EASA has provided clear directives to ensure the safety of flight crews and passengers:

  1. Avoidance: Operators are advised not to operate within the affected airspace (FIR Maiquetia) at any altitude or flight level.

  2. Monitoring: Airlines should closely track regional developments and follow all aeronautical publications.

  3. Spillover Awareness: Operators must consider "spillover risks" in neighboring airspace when making routing decisions.

Bulletin Validity

The CZIB was issued on January 3, 2026, and is currently set to remain valid until September 1, 2026, unless the security situation necessitates an earlier review. EASA, the European Commission, and Member States will continue to monitor the threat level to assess if the risk status for EU operators changes.

For those of us in the industry, this serves as a stark reminder of how quickly geopolitical shifts can redefine global flight paths. 

Stay tuned to Aviation2day for more information.

Source;

https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations/czibs/2026-01

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