In a significant move reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions, Venezuela has revoked the operating permits of six international airlines after they halted flights due to heightened security concerns in its airspace. This decision represents a broader struggle between Venezuela and the United States, which has intensified in recent months amid accusations of drug trafficking and military posturing in the Caribbean region.
Venezuela’s civil aviation authority announced the termination of permits for several airlines, including Iberia from Spain, TAP from Portugal, Avianca from Colombia, LATAM and Gol from Brazil, as well as Turkish Airlines. This action follows a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace attributed to increased military activities. Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Airlines Association in Venezuela, noted that the FAA’s warning led to these airlines suspending their flights from November 24 to 28, citing the jurisdictional dispute over Venezuela’s airspace as a key factor.
Caracas has firmly stated that the FAA holds no authority over its airspace, labeling the airlines’ actions as indicative of cooperation with what Venezuela calls “state terrorism” propagated by the U.S. government. Prior to revoking the permits, Venezuelan authorities had given a 48-hour ultimatum for the airlines to resume their services or face penalties.
Despite the bans, some airlines have expressed intentions to restore flights once conditions permit. Iberia indicated it would resume operations once full safety measures are in place, while Avianca has plans to reinstate flights to the Venezuelan capital by December 5. However, critics such as Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel have condemned the permit revocations as disproportionate, expressing hopes for dialogue to resolve the airline situation.
Notably, other airlines like Spain’s Air Europa and Plus Ultra have suspended flights but have not received permit revocations, leaving ambiguity regarding decision-making criteria. Meanwhile, airlines such as Panama’s Copa and Wingo continue to operate flights to Venezuela, alongside domestic carriers that maintain regional connections.
The current tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have roots in President Donald Trump’s administration, which has escalated diplomatic and military pressure against Caracas, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of leading a narcotics trafficking operation. Since September, the U.S. has conducted numerous military strikes against purported drug vessels off the Venezuelan coast, which Venezuela vehemently denounces as acts of aggression. The U.S. has further intensified its stance by labeling certain Venezuelan factions as terrorist organizations, resulting in escalating animosity.
Despite the rising tensions, recent comments from Trump suggest a potential openness to dialogue, as he indicated a willingness to discuss the situation with Maduro. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for airlines, tourists, and diplomatic relations between the nations remain uncertain.
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