A mysterious wall of electromagnetic noise has affected commercial flights over Venezuela since last week, forcing them to divert or cancel routes. The disruption is linked to a US military buildup in the Caribbean, which includes attacks on alleged drug-running boats and the arrival of the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
The jamming is disrupting air traffic control systems used by airlines worldwide, including the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which guides everything from modern airliners to smartphones. The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to pilots last month, but data suggests the electronic disruption began weeks earlier.
Several international carriers have suspended flights into Venezuela, while local airlines continue to operate despite domestic pressure to restore service. Experts believe the jamming is linked to military action and that both the US and Venezuelan militaries are using GPS interference as a protective measure.
The impact on air travel in the region is significant, with reports of degraded navigation integrity and compromised air traffic control systems. The disruption also affects satellite networks like Starlink and OneWeb, which orbit at approximately 340 miles above the surface.
As tensions rise between the US and Venezuela, everyone from airline executives to everyday Venezuelans are watching for Trump’s next move, as reliable air travel and internet connectivity become increasingly precarious due to the jamming.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-venezuela-gps-jamming