Full Breakdown
International Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela Amid U.S. Safety Warning
11/23/2025, 12:33:36 PM
Overview of the Flight Cancellations
Following a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a "potentially hazardous situation" in Venezuelan airspace, several international airlines have canceled their flights to and from Venezuela. The FAA's advisory highlighted "worsening security conditions and heightened military activity" in the region, prompting airlines to reassess their operations. Airlines such as Brazil's Gol Linhas Aéreas, Colombia's Avianca, Chile's LATAM, Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean Airlines, and Portugal's TAP Air Portugal announced cancellations effective Saturday, November 22, 2025. Spain's Iberia also suspended flights to Caracas starting Monday, November 24, until further notice.
FAA's Advisory and Military Buildup
The FAA's warning urged airlines to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region, citing potential risks at all altitudes, including during takeoff and landing. The advisory comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, which includes the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, alongside multiple warships and F-35 aircraft. The U.S. has increased its military presence as part of an anti-narcotics operation, which Caracas perceives as a threat to its sovereignty.
Airlines' Responses
TAP Air Portugal confirmed the cancellation of flights scheduled for Saturday and the following Tuesday, attributing the decision to the FAA's safety concerns. Iberia stated it would evaluate the situation before resuming flights. Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority echoed the FAA's concerns, citing "potential risks" for flights in the Maiquetia area due to deteriorating security conditions. While Copa Airlines and Wingo continued their operations, LATAM Airlines canceled its flights from Bogota to Caracas.
Criticism and Opposition
The heightened military activity and the FAA's warning have sparked criticism from various quarters. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. military presence, claiming it is an attempt to destabilize his government. He stated, "No foreign power will impose its will on our sovereign homeland," emphasizing Venezuela's readiness to defend itself against perceived aggression. The situation has also drawn attention from international observers, with some arguing that the U.S. actions could escalate tensions further.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the FAA has not prohibited flights over Venezuela, it has advised airlines to provide a 72-hour notice for any planned flights through the region. Some airlines, including Delta and United, have already ceased flying over Venezuela due to safety concerns. However, there is no consensus on the extent of the risks, as some airlines continue to operate flights, indicating a divide in the assessment of safety conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela,” — FAA Advisory
- “No foreign power will impose its will on our sovereign homeland,” — Nicolás Maduro
The situation remains fluid, with airlines closely monitoring developments as they assess the safety of their operations in and around Venezuela.
