January 2026 AVSEC Update

WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL SECURITY THREATS FACING AVIATION IN JANUARY 2026?

This monthly security briefing covers US-Venezuela conflict with January 3 airstrikes causing Caribbean flight ban, Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, Benin coup attempt, and Syria instability.

MedAire's aviation security specialist provides situation analysis, operational impact assessments, and actionable security advice for route planning, airspace monitoring, and risk mitigation across affected regions including Caribbean, Southeast Asia, West Africa, Middle East, and emerging Iran tensions.

WHAT DOES THE BRIEFING COVER?

• US-Venezuela Military Operations & Caribbean Airspace January 3 US airstrikes on Venezuelan targets prompted 24-hour FAA flight ban in Caribbean FIRs. US military aircraft causing near-midair collisions. Risks include diverted anti-aircraft weapons and potential Maduro loyalist insurgent activity.

• Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict & December Airstrikes Thailand suspended peace agreements November 10; conducted December 7 airstrikes in Cambodia. Temporary ceasefire announced December 27. Defer operations within 30-46 miles of border due to cross-border clashes and airstrike risks.

• West Africa Political Instability & Benin Coup Attempt Failed Benin coup prompted ECOWAS intervention with Nigerian airstrikes and troop deployment. Airspace and airport closures follow broader West African trend of post-election protests and anti-government movements affecting multiple nations.
  
  

US-Venezuela Conflict: January 3 Airstrikes & Regional Impact

• Expanded US military presence since September 2025: Strategic Caribbean presence and Eastern Pacific operations conducting airstrikes on suspected narco-terror vessels

• January 3 airstrikes: US struck anti-air communications radar and Bolivarian QRF positions during capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

• 24-hour FAA flight ban: Imposed on US-registered aircraft in Curacao, San Juan, and western Piarco FIRs for safety following operations

• Near-midair collisions: US military aircraft operating in region disrupting civil aviation with several near-miss incidents

• Mass travel disruption: Flight restrictions caused delays, triggered possible evacuations, left customers stranded throughout Caribbean region

• Weapons diversion risk: During governmental transition, anti-aircraft weapons may be diverted to black market, cartels, or Maduro loyalist insurgents

• MedAire security advice: Exercise caution, monitor latest NOTAMs due to fluid situation, defer operations during airspace closures, be aware US military assets create hazardous overflight conditions in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific west of Central America

Cambodia-Thailand Border: Airstrikes & Temporary Ceasefire

• November 10 peace agreement suspension: Thailand suspended agreements after Thai soldier injured by landmine

• December 7 Thai airstrikes: Thailand carried out multiple airstrikes in Cambodia, triggering intensified cross-border clashes

• Border alerts issued: Authorities alerted areas along Cambodia-Thai frontier, particularly northern border regions

• December 27 temporary ceasefire: Both nations announced ceasefire to facilitate peace talks and allow displaced people to return home

• Landmine removal commitment: Both sides committed to removing landmines that triggered peace treaty suspension

• MedAire security advice: Defer all operations to airports within 30 miles of Cambodia-Thailand border; in Cambodia defer non-essential travel within 46 miles of border due to high Thai airstrike risk; monitor NOTAMs and aviation authority directives; crews should track developments and be prepared for rapid escalation and short-notice flight disruptions

Benin Coup Attempt & West Africa Political Instability

• Coup attempt: Small faction within Benin military attempted coup, prompting closure of all borders, flights, and telecommunications

• ECOWAS intervention: Economic Community of West African States intervened; Nigeria conducted airstrike and deployed ECOWAS troops to suppress coup

• Airspace and airport closures: Benin airspace closed and airport operations suspended following intervention

• Broader West Africa trend: Multiple countries faced instability between September-December driven by contested elections and anti-government movements

• Regional pattern: Post-election protests, anti-government demonstrations, and military coups increasing overall risk profile across West Africa

• MedAire security advice: Anticipate heightened security measures and possible disruptions; defer operations to countries affected by election-related demonstrations and government transitions triggering unrest; for crews on ground, remain in secure location and prepare to move when authorities provide clearance; expect elevated security presence and follow all official directives; ensure access to alternative communications if primary channels become unreliable

Syria: Multiple Threats & Aleppo Airport Suspension

• Ongoing challenges: Struggling government transition post-ISIS and Assad regime, Islamic militants operating within borders, Kurdish tensions in northern Syria, Israeli military operations along Syrian-Israeli border

• US counterterrorism operations: Conducting strikes against ISIS in retaliation for attacks on US troops—retaliatory strikes likely to continue

• UK and French operations: Recently conducted airstrikes on suspected ISIS targets

• IDF border strikes: Continues airstrikes along Israeli-Syrian border; 2025 strikes hit governmental buildings to prevent arms from falling into militia hands for use against Israel

• Aleppo tensions worsen: Syrian government suspended all flights to Aleppo International Airport as fighting with Kurdish factions intensifies

• MedAire security advice: Defer all non-essential operations into Syria; seek immediate shelter if caught in combat-related activity; if operations must continue, ensure robust emergency evacuation and contingency plans; maintain continuous contact with aviation authorities; closely monitor NOTAMs for airspace/airport status changes; adhere strictly to all directives (limited public posting of NOTAMs); for Damascus interests, limit activity to short turnaround operations

Weeks & Months Ahead: Regional Outlook

• Venezuela: Track NOTAMs throughout Caribbean region; recent US strikes on narco-terror drug vessels raise possibility of expanded operations including potential land-based strikes if US-Venezuela diplomacy fails after Maduro capture

• Cambodia-Thailand: Monitor NOTAMs and developments from ongoing peace discussions; any progress or setbacks may require operational posture adjustments in the region

• Syria: Continue monitoring ongoing clashes between government forces and Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria, IDF operations near southern Syrian border, and US/partner counterterrorism operations against ISIS strongholds

• Iran (emerging concern): Economic protests continue to strain government, raising possibility of broader instability; ongoing risk of renewed airstrikes involving Israel or US due to Iranian government harm to protesters, which could accelerate regional tensions and severely impact air traffic (similar to Iranian-Israel 12-Day War)

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