6 Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela After US Safety Warning

Six international airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about increased military activity and deteriorating security conditions in the region.

Maricela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airline Association, confirmed that Iberia of Spain, TAP Air Portugal, LATAM of Chile, Avianca of Colombia, GOL of Brazil and Caribbean Airlines of Trinidad have halted their services to the country. The companies did not specify how long the suspensions will remain in effect. The cancellations come as the United States significantly boosts its military presence in the region.

Meanwhile, several carriers, including Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and Plus Ultra, Turkish Airlines and Venezuela’s Laser Airlines, continue to operate flights to and from the country.

The FAA urged civilian aircraft flying in Venezuelan airspace to exercise caution, citing the worsening security situation and increased military activity in and around Venezuela. The agency noted that such conditions pose potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes, during flights, landings, departures, and even while parked on the ground.

The United States has recently deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, additional warships and stealth aircraft to the Caribbean, describing the operation as part of a counternarcotics mission. Caracas, however, fears the build-up may be aimed at facilitating regime change in Venezuela.

The FAA warning comes just days before Washington is expected to designate a drug cartel, which US authorities claim is led by President Nicolás Maduro, as a terrorist organization. The move is expected to escalate tensions further, with some analysts suggesting it could lay the groundwork for military action.

Since early September, US forces have carried out strikes on more than 20 vessels in the Caribbean, alleging they were transporting narcotics.

The operations have resulted in more than 80 deaths. However, the United States has not released concrete evidence proving that the targeted boats were involved in drug trafficking, fueling regional concerns about the growing military campaign and its wider implications.