U.S. Aviation Alert Sparks Flight Cancellations to Venezuela Amid Trump’s Crackdown on Maduro
The Trump administration has intensified its pressure on President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela by designating the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, leading to significant changes in international air travel. Following the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) warning about the unsafe conditions in Venezuelan airspace, several major airlines, including Gol, Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal, have canceled flights to the country. This move has disrupted global travel and raised concerns about the security of air routes near Venezuela.
The FAA’s advisory, issued Nov. 22, urged airlines to exercise caution, citing the ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in the region. The warning coincided with the Trump administration’s escalation of pressure on Maduro, including the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This group, known as the ‘Cartel of the Suns,’ is a network of government and military officials engaged in drug trafficking activities within Venezuela and beyond.
The airline changes primarily came after the FAA issued a notice urging airlines to ‘exercise caution’ due to the ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in the region. This decision has affected not only the United States but also Europe and Latin America, with the U.S. State Department formally announcing the Cartel de los Soles designation in the Federal Register. European governments have also updated their travel advisories, with Germany warning that Venezuela’s situation remains ‘tense’ and could deteriorate further.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom advised travelers that flights to Venezuela were being canceled at short notice, urging them to stay in touch with their airlines or travel agents. The Trump administration’s actions reflect a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and assert U.S. influence in the region, as highlighted by the deployment of bombers, warships, and Marines in the Caribbean. These military measures have intensified the geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela, further impacting international travel and economic relations.