The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order prohibiting US air operators from flying below 26,000 feet in Venezuela’s airspace until further notice, citing ‘increasing political instability and tensions.’
The FAA notice on Tuesday evening said any air operators currently in Venezuela, which would include private jets, should depart within 48 hours.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Tuesday made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro but there were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces leadership.
American Airlines Group in March said it was indefinitely suspending its flights to Venezuela, as the country continued to struggle with political turmoil and unrest.
OPSGROUP, which provides safety guidance to air operators, said options for those choosing to avoid Venezuelan airspace would include routes west via Colombia, or east via Guyana.
Early on Tuesday, several dozen armed troops accompanying Guaido clashed with soldiers supporting Maduro at a rally in Caracas, and large anti-government protests in the streets turned violent.
According to the statement, the warning applies to all air carriers registered in the United States.