Airlines cancel flights to Venezuela after FAA warns of worsening security, military activity

In a significant development, multiple international airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela following a cautionary advisory issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA warned pilots of heightened security risks and increased military activity in Venezuelan airspace, posing potential threats to aircraft at all altitudes, including during takeoff, landing, and even while grounded. Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Airlines Association in Venezuela, confirmed that six major carriers—TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol, and Caribbean—have indefinitely halted operations, while Turkish Airlines has temporarily suspended flights from November 24 to 28. Colombian President Gustavo Petro emphasized the importance of maintaining regular air connectivity across Latin America, stating that blocking flights equates to blocking people, which he described as a ‘crime against humanity.’ The FAA’s warning coincides with escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom it does not recognize as the legitimate leader of the country. Recent U.S. military maneuvers, including bomber flights near Venezuela’s coast and the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Caribbean Sea, underscore the growing geopolitical strain. Additionally, the U.S. has conducted strikes on small boats accused of drug trafficking, resulting in over 80 fatalities since September. These developments highlight the complex interplay of aviation safety, regional politics, and international relations in the region.