Several international airlines have pulled out of Venezuela following a U.S. aviation safety warning, as the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The decision to halt flights to Venezuela has come after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued advisories to airlines about the potentially dangerous situation in Venezuelan airspace. Major airlines such as Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal have canceled flights from Caracas, with other international carriers making adjustments through Monday. The airline cancellations have also affected the UK and Europe, as the U.S. designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization escalates tensions with the Maduro regime.
TAP Air Portugal announced that its flight decisions were directly influenced by U.S. advisories indicating that safety could not be guaranteed. Spain’s Iberia, which is a major player in the European air transport sector, has also decided to suspend its flights to Caracas, although its Saturday service to Madrid was unaffected. In contrast, airlines like Copa Airlines and Wingo have continued their operations, while LATAM canceled its Sunday Bogotá-bound flight. The FAA’s warning on November 22 has been seen as a key factor behind the flight disruptions, as the Trump administration has increasingly focused on targeting drug trafficking operations in the region.
The designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization further underscores the Trump administration’s strategy to isolate Venezuela and disrupt its links to drug trafficking networks. According to reports, the Cartel de los Soles is a network of government officials and military figures engaged in drug trafficking, with allegations that it is responsible for violent incidents in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the Cartel de los Soles is involved in terrorist activities across the hemisphere, leading to the ongoing international response to the situation in Venezuela. This has led to a coordinated effort by European governments to update travel advisories and warn citizens about the unstable conditions in the country.
Meanwhile, the United States has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines to target drug trafficking networks operating in the region. The Trump administration’s actions have been framed as part of a broader campaign to secure the region and disrupt illicit activities linked to Venezuela. As the situation continues to develop, travel advisories and flight restrictions are expected to remain in place, further impacting international air travel and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. The growing tensions reflect deepening concerns about the stability of the region and the effectiveness of U.S. strategies to address drug trafficking and national security threats.