Following a U.S. aviation safety warning, several major airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela, disrupting travel to the country as the Trump administration escalates pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The decision follows the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying the administration’s actions against the government of Maduro.
Airlines such as Gol, Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal have suspended their flights, while others have made adjustments, impacting the U.K., Europe, and the Caribbean. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace, leading to the decision by airlines to stop operations, highlighting the growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
According to Reuters, the flight disruptions have affected international travelers, with at least three airlines canceling departures from Caracas Saturday. Other carriers are making changes through Monday, further complicating travel plans. Spain’s Iberia announced the suspension of flights to Caracas starting Monday, although its Saturday service to Madrid operated as planned. Meanwhile, Copa Airlines and Wingo continued operations, while LATAM canceled its Sunday Bogotá-bound flight.
The airline changes primarily came after the FAA issued a warning to aircraft operating in or over Venezuelan airspace. The advisory was issued as the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence across the Caribbean, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines as part of a campaign targeting drug-trafficking operations near the region and airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
As reported by Fox News Digital, the FAA had warned airlines on November 22 about flying over Venezuela, urging them to