November 24, 2025 | 06:45 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Six international airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela after the United States (US) warned major carriers about a "potentially dangerous situation" due to the "increased military activity" around the South American country.
Reported by Al Jazeera, the suspended airlines include Iberia (Spain), TAP (Portugal), LATAM (Chile), Avianca (Colombia), GOL (Brazil), and Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago). All have ceased flights to the country on Saturday, as reported by the AFP news agency, citing Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airline Association.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday urged airlines to "exercise caution" due to the risk "at all altitudes" while flying in Venezuelan airspace.
This advisory comes amid increased US military presence in the Caribbean, including the world's largest aircraft carrier and several warships, as part of what Washington described as an anti-narcotics operation. However, Caracas views this buildup as an attempt to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro.
Airlines Suspending Flights to Venezuela
According to TRT World, TAP confirmed the cancelations for Saturday and the following Tuesday, citing US warnings that "This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that the safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed."
Iberia has suspended flights to Caracas "until further notice," noting that its scheduled Saturday departure is proceeding as planned.
Copa Airlines, Wingo, Spanish Air Europa, PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and LASER Venezuela are continuing to operate their flights for the time being.
The civil aviation authorities of Colombia warned of "potential risk" around Maiquetia Airport due to deteriorating security and increased military activity.
Flight disruptions have escalated with rising tensions. The FAA notice links security threats to a "deteriorating" situation and increased military movements inside and around Venezuela.
US Stance
The US military has launched at least 21 attacks on ships suspected of being drug vessels, resulting in 83 deaths, while Washington has increased pressure on Maduro by raising the bounty for his capture to US$50 million and labeling him as the leader of "Cartel de los Soles," according to Al Jazeera.
Donald Trump has so far sent mixed signals. On one hand, he doesn't think his country will go to war with Caracas, but on the other hand, when asked if Maduro's days as president are numbered, he replied, "I would say yes."
Meanwhile, four anonymous US officials told Reuters that Washington is ready to enter a new phase of "operation" related to Venezuela, possibly starting with covert actions aimed at increasing pressure on Maduro. Options being discussed include efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan leader.
Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Maria Corina Machado, reiterated that toppling Maduro would not be considered a regime change, arguing that he "lost in last year's election and manipulated the election results."
Maduro, who denies US accusations and sanctions, insists that no foreign power will impose its will on Venezuela and warns that any attempt to end the peace will be met with a "great surprise."
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