Several major airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela following a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), signaling growing safety concerns in the region. The move coincides with the Trump administration’s designation of the Venezuelan government-linked Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, escalating diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and President Nicolás Maduro. The decision by airlines such as Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal reflects the severity of the FAA’s advisory, which cautioned against flying over Venezuelan airspace due to a “potentially hazardous” situation. In addition to the airline disruptions, the Trump administration has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines to combat drug trafficking operations. These actions are part of a broader strategy targeting suspected drug-smuggling networks linked to Venezuela, further straining relations between the U.S. and the Maduro government.
The designation of the Cartel de los Soles, or ‘Cartel of the Suns,’ by the State Department underscores efforts to hold Venezuela accountable for its role in drug trafficking and terrorist activities in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the threat posed by such cartels, stating that they are “responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.” This diplomatic action has been accompanied by updated travel advisories from European governments, including Germany and the U.K., which have warned that the situation in Venezuela remains “tense” and could worsen. The U.K. government has also advised travelers to stay in touch with airlines or travel agencies in case of last-minute flight cancellations. As a result, several airlines have suspended flights to Caracas, with some continuing operations while others, such as LATAM, have canceled departures to Bogotá.
The FAA’s advisory, issued on November 22, has prompted a reassessment of safety protocols for international flights, with many carriers opting to cancel or delay their services to the country. The decision to suspend flights to Venezuela marks a significant shift in the aviation landscape, impacting both travelers and the country’s tourism sector. While some airlines, including Copa Airlines and Wingo, continue operations, the broader trend indicates a growing reluctance among international carriers to serve Venezuelan destinations. This situation highlights the deepening crisis in Venezuela, where political instability, economic collapse, and security concerns have created an environment perceived as unsafe for international travel. As the U.S. intensifies its military and diplomatic pressure on the Maduro government, the consequences for Venezuela’s economy and international standing are likely to be severe.