US sets up no-fly zone over Caribbean Sea aimed directly at Venezuela

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at the request of the US Department of War, has issued a New Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) establishing temporary flight restrictions in the area off the southeast coast of Ceiba, Puerto Rico.

The order, identified as FDC 5/9106, is effective November 1, 2025, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2026.

The US no-fly zone established in Southeast Puerto Rico could completely control the Venezuelan coast.

According to the FAA, the restrictions are for "Special Security Reasons." The affected area spans latitudes approximately 18°11'07"N to 17°52'20"N and longitudes 65°40'29"W to 65°36'02"W, covering airspace from 2,500 feet to 5,000 feet above mean sea level.

The notice states that "pilots are not authorized to operate aircraft in the areas specified in this NOTAM (except as described)," adding that "only operations of DoD-engaged aircraft under DoD direction are authorized in this airspace."

The FAA stressed that all aircraft flying into or out of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) must operate on an active IFR or VFR flight plan with a separate transponder code and maintain two-way communication with air traffic control. While the agency did not specify the nature of the “special security reasons,” the timing of the restrictions coincides with increased US military activity across the Caribbean.

Internal US government documents obtained by The Washington Post show that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently sent letters to Moscow and Beijing requesting expanded military cooperation, including “upgraded missiles, radars and aircraft,” as the US Navy and Air Force increase their presence in the region.

The Venezuelan government has also reportedly approached Iran for assistance in bolstering its defense capabilities. The Trump administration has identified several potential targets inside Venezuela, including airstrips, seaports and naval facilities believed to be linked to drug trafficking networks.

US F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport, Puerto Rico. Photo: Michael Gavin

The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials are considering limited military options to "weaken the drug infrastructure" linked to the Maduro government.

US military activity has increased near the Venezuelan coast in recent days, with two B-1B Lancer bombers reportedly flying within 50km of Caracas, marking one of the closest such flights since tensions escalated earlier this year.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely also docked in Spain and Trinidad and Tobago, while the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford moved closer to Venezuelan waters. Maduro denounced the deployments, describing them as an attempt to create “a new eternal war” against his country.

US defense planners have not confirmed any pending operations, but officials say contingency plans are still being considered. The FAA’s five-month restriction near Puerto Rico – an area known for US naval and intelligence operations – shows continued coordination between civil aviation and defense agencies as Washington expands its footprint in the Caribbean.

New flight restrictions near Puerto Rico underscore growing security concerns in the Caribbean as the US military increases surveillance and readiness amid deteriorating relations with Venezuela.