Recent developments in Venezuela have renewed operational focus across northern South America and the Caribbean. While temporary airspace restrictions associated with recent military activity have been lifted, security advisories and regional operating constraints remain in effect. This update summarizes the current operating environment at Caracas–Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI), outlines ongoing U.S. restrictions, and highlights planning considerations for business aviation operators conducting Caribbean and regional operations in the coming weeks.

Venezuela Operational Environment

Following last weekend’s high-profile political developments in Venezuela, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, the aviation environment in the region remains unsettled. SVMI closed completely over the weekend and has since reopened, with domestic operations prioritized.

In response to these developments, we are receiving inquiries regarding when restrictions may ease for N-registered aircraft operating directly from the U.S. At this time, all existing U.S. sanctions and operating restrictions remain in effect. Operators able to obtain clearance to operate to Venezuela should continue coordinating closely with Universal Trip Support to navigate current requirements and approval processes.

Our ground handler, Universal Aviation Venezuela (UAV), is a U.S.-owned company that operates in compliance with applicable U.S. laws and has maintained continuous operations in Venezuela for more than 40 years. UAV is closely monitoring developments and maintaining operational readiness should conditions allow for an increase in activity.

We will continue to report on this situation as new information becomes available.

Caribbean Airspace & Congestion – Current Status

Airspace Availability

Temporary FAA airspace restriction measures directly linked to recent U.S. military activity in Venezuela have been lifted. As of January 4, 2026, no FAA prohibition or closure measures are currently in effect across the Caribbean, and standard routings remain generally available.

Security Advisories

U.S. security NOTAMs remain active for several Caribbean Flight Information Regions, advising operators to exercise caution at all altitudes due to ongoing military activity. These advisories do not restrict routing, but apply during overflight, arrival, and departure phases:

Piarco FIR (TTZP – Trinidad and Tobago) (west of 0570000W)

Curaçao FIR (TNCF)

San Juan FIR (TJZS – Puerto Rico)

These advisories are effective January 4 through February 2, 2026, from SFC–UNL.

Congestion and Ground Constraints

In parallel, peak winter demand continues to drive congestion-related operational impacts across the region. Operators should expect active PPR requirements, ramp saturation, and evolving NOTAMs at high-traffic airports, including TIST/St. Thomas, TJSJ/San Juan, and TQPF/Anguilla, along with intermittent ground coordination issues at TNCM/St. Maarten. Dominican Republic airspace was largely unaffected during the restriction period and continues to operate normally.

Residual disruptions are expected to continue through the remainder of the week, and operators are advised to continue monitoring security advisories and short-notice NOTAMs.