Increased Flight Cancellations Amid Heightened Tensions in Venezuela

On November 22, 2025, three international airlines—Brazil's Gol, Colombia's Avianca, and TAP Air Portugal—canceled flights departing from Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport. This decision followed a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a "potentially hazardous situation" for aircraft flying over Venezuela due to escalating military activity and deteriorating security conditions in the region.

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The FAA's warning comes amid a significant military buildup by the United States in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier and multiple warships. This military presence is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to exert pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government, which the U.S. accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The situation has prompted several countries, including Germany and South Korea, to update their travel advisories, warning citizens about the risks of traveling to Venezuela.

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TAP Air Portugal confirmed the cancellation of its flights scheduled for November 22 and November 24, citing safety concerns based on U.S. aviation authorities' information. Similarly, Iberia announced the suspension of flights to Caracas starting November 23, pending further assessment of the situation. Colombian authorities indicated that there are "potential risks" associated with flying in the Maiquetia area, reflecting the growing apprehension among airlines and governments.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the flight cancellations and the broader implications of U.S. intervention, stating, "Countries are not blocked, because people are blocked and that must be a crime against humanity." He emphasized the need for normal flight operations and called for multilateral governance to address international issues without interference from individual states.

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The FAA's notice highlighted the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity" in Venezuela, warning that aircraft could face risks at all altitudes. In response to the escalating tensions, Germany's foreign office described the security situation in Venezuela as "tense" and warned of potential rapid deterioration. The U.K. also advised its citizens to avoid areas near the Venezuelan borders, citing ongoing criminal activity and the likelihood of sudden flight cancellations.

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As the U.S. continues to ramp up military operations in the region, further travel warnings from other countries may be anticipated. The situation remains fluid, with airlines and governments closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of their citizens and operations.

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• “This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” — TAP Air Portugal

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• “There must be normal flights to all countries in Latin America from Latin America and the world. Countries are not blocked, because people are blocked and that must be a crime against humanity.” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

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• “The situation in Venezuela is currently tense,” — German Foreign Office Statement

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