Airlines Halt Venezuela Flights Amid FAA Security Warning & Military Tensions

Six major international airlines have ceased operations to Venezuela following an urgent Federal Aviation Administration security warning, marking a significant disruption to the country’s already limited international connectivity.

On November 22, 2025, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, LATAM Airlines, Avianca, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Caribbean Airlines simultaneously suspended flights to Venezuelan destinations after the FAA issued a notice to airmen warning of potentially hazardous conditions caused by increased military activity in and around Venezuelan airspace.

The FAA’s advisory is notably comprehensive in scope, cautioning that risks could affect commercial aircraft during all phases of operation—from overflights at cruise altitude to approaches, landings, and even while stationary at Venezuelan airports. This broad warning suggests the agency has identified credible threats that extend beyond typical airspace security concerns.

TAP Air Portugal and Iberia both explicitly cited the FAA warning as their primary reason for suspending services, though neither carrier has provided a timeline for potential resumption of flights. The indefinite nature of these suspensions reflects the unpredictable security environment and the difficulty airlines face in assessing when conditions might improve sufficiently to justify resuming operations.

The coordinated suspension by six carriers represents a substantial reduction in Venezuela’s international air connectivity, potentially complicating travel for thousands of passengers and further isolating the country economically. However, the situation has not resulted in a complete shutdown of international service. Copa Airlines, Air Europa, PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuelan carrier LASER continue to operate flights to Caracas and other destinations, providing critical links for passengers who require travel to or from Venezuela.

The timing of the FAA warning and subsequent flight suspensions coincides with escalating regional tensions. The United States has recently deployed significant military assets to the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier strike group, naval vessels, and surveillance aircraft. Washington has characterized this deployment as part of an expanded counter-narcotics operation aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks.

However, the Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro views the American military presence differently, interpreting it as a pressure tactic designed to undermine his administration. This divergence in perspective has raised concerns about potential military confrontation that could further threaten civilian aviation safety.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of commercial aviation to geopolitical tensions and the critical role regulatory agencies like the FAA play in protecting passenger safety. Airlines operating international routes must constantly evaluate security intelligence and balance commercial interests against duty of care obligations to passengers and crew.

For passengers with travel plans involving Venezuela, the suspensions create significant disruption. Those holding tickets on affected carriers should contact airlines directly for rebooking options or refunds. Travelers who must reach Venezuela will need to seek alternative routings through carriers still operating to the country, though capacity constraints may result in higher fares and limited availability.

The aerospace industry will be closely monitoring developments to assess when—or if—suspended carriers might resume Venezuelan operations. Resolution will likely require either de-escalation of regional military tensions or additional security measures that satisfy airline safety assessments.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102480218-899