International Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela Amid U.S. Military Buildup

In response to a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a "potentially hazardous situation" due to heightened military activity in and around Venezuela, several international airlines have suspended flights to the country. The FAA's advisory, issued on November 21, 2025, cited a "worsening security situation" that poses risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including during takeoff, landing, and while on the ground.

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As of November 24, 2025, major airlines including Iberia (Spain), TAP Air Portugal, LATAM (Chile), Avianca (Colombia), GOL (Brazil), and Caribbean Airlines have canceled flights to and from Venezuela. Turkish Airlines has also suspended its operations from November 24 to 28. The president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association, Marisela de Loaiza, confirmed that these suspensions represent a significant reduction in international connectivity for Venezuela, which is already one of the least-connected countries in Latin America.

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The FAA's warning coincides with a substantial increase in U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and multiple warships. The U.S. military has conducted at least 21 strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels since September, resulting in numerous casualties. This military buildup is framed by the Trump administration as part of a campaign against drug cartels, particularly the Cartel de los Soles, which the U.S. has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Forbes

In a bid to counter the flight suspensions, Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) issued an ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights within 48 hours or risk losing their operational clearances. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized this ultimatum, warning that it could further isolate Venezuela and exacerbate its connectivity issues.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed opposition to the flight cancellations, stating that blocking countries is tantamount to blocking people and should be considered a crime against humanity. Additionally, a CBS News-YouGov poll indicated that a significant majority of Americans oppose military action in Venezuela, reflecting a broader skepticism about U.S. intervention in the region.

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The FAA's advisory emphasized that threats could pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes, urging airlines to exercise caution when operating in Venezuelan airspace. The FAA has mandated that U.S. operators provide 72 hours' notice before flying over Venezuela, with the warning set to remain in effect until February 2026.

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As tensions continue to escalate, the aviation community is closely monitoring the situation. Airlines have indicated they will resume operations as soon as conditions allow, but the ongoing military activity and political instability in Venezuela present significant challenges. The international community remains vigilant as the potential for conflict could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and air travel.

US-Venezuela Tensions Lead Airlines to Cancel Flights from Caracas as FAA Issues Airspace Safety Warning

• “Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground.” — FAA Statement

Newsweek

• “No foreign power will impose its will on our sovereign homeland,” — Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela

Flights to Venezuela cancelled after US warnings

• “Countries should not be blocked, because blocking countries is blocking people, and that should be considered a crime against humanity.” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

Forbes

The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders in the aviation industry and international relations will need to remain responsive to the evolving dynamics in Venezuela.

US-Venezuela Tensions Lead Airlines to Cancel Flights from Caracas as FAA Issues Airspace Safety Warning