Venezuela Bans Six International Airlines After FAA Security Warning

Venezuela Bans Six International Airlines Following Security Dispute with Washington

Venezuela’s National Institute of Civil Aeronautics has revoked operating permits for six major international carriers, effective immediately after a 48-hour ultimatum expired on November 27, 2025. The banned airlines—Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, GOL, LATAM, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines—now face restrictions on landings and takeoffs in Venezuelan airspace, significantly disrupting regional connectivity.

The ban represents a sharp escalation in tensions between Caracas and Washington. The dispute began when the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace. The FAA alert specifically cited increased US military activity in the Caribbean region and recommended that airlines avoid operating in or near the affected zones.

In response to the FAA warning, all six carriers suspended service to Caracas, citing safety protocols and the need to evaluate the security environment. Venezuela’s government interpreted this decision as commercial defiance and issued the ultimatum demanding flight resumption within 48 hours. When carriers maintained their suspension, Venezuelan authorities followed through with permit cancellations.

Underlying the broader dispute are recent US military operations in the Caribbean. According to reports cited by international media, American forces have conducted strikes against vessels that US officials describe as drug-carrying boats. The BBC reported that the United States has targeted at least 21 vessels, with more than 80 reported deaths resulting from these operations. These actions substantially increased airline risk assessments for the region.

The operational impact on affected carriers is significant. Airlines with established Caracas routes now face commercial and logistical challenges, including passenger rerouting, refund processing, and revenue loss. Several carriers have issued statements indicating intent to restore service once conditions improve, though no timeline has been established. They emphasized that flight suspensions reflected safety-driven decision-making rather than market withdrawal intentions.

The international response has begun. Portugal’s foreign ministry characterized Venezuela’s action as disproportionate and announced plans to pursue diplomatic resolution through official channels. Other affected nations are similarly engaging with Venezuelan authorities to discuss potential reinstatement of operating rights.

Venezuela has not signaled willingness to reverse the ban or indicated conditions for permit restoration. The restrictions further isolate the nation from major international aviation networks at a time when regional connectivity was already strained by political tensions and security concerns. Industry observers note that such aviation disputes typically require high-level diplomatic intervention for resolution, suggesting that normalized service may not resume in the near term.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764363646303-1015