Several major airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela following a U.S. aviation safety warning, citing potential risks to travelers. This follows the Trump administration’s designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, a move aimed at intensifying pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The decision comes amid a surge in U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, with bombers, warships, and Marines deployed to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to airlines on November 22, advising them to exercise caution when flying over Venezuelan airspace due to the ‘potentially hazardous situation’ in the region. The advisory has prompted airlines such as Gol, Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal to suspend or alter their flights to Caracas, affecting travel across the U.K. and Europe. The changes have also impacted the operational plans of other international carriers, with several suspending flights until further notice.
Spain’s Iberia announced it would suspend flights to Caracas starting on Monday, while Copa Airlines and Wingo continued operations, though LATAM canceled its Sunday Bogotá-bound flight. The FAA’s warning coincides with the U.S. increasing its military efforts in the Caribbean, targeting drug-trafficking networks and conducting airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Meanwhile, the State Department formally announced the designation of the Cartel de los Soles in the Federal Register, a response to statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio who labeled the organization responsible for ‘terrorist violence’ and drug trafficking into the U.S. and Europe.
European governments have updated their travel advisories, with Germany warning that Venezuela’s situation remains ‘tense’ and could worsen. The U.K. government advised travelers to stay in contact with their airlines or travel agencies due to the sudden cancellations of flights. This situation highlights the growing geopolitical tensions and the impact on international travel, with airlines facing significant operational and financial implications due to the U.S. actions and the political climate surrounding Venezuela.