Venezuela’s civil aviation authority has revoked the operational permits of several airlines, accusing them of “terrorism” after they suspended flights in response to U.S. warnings about increased military activity in the region. The airlines affected—Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, GOL and Turkish Airlines—were said to be “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government,” according to the authority’s statement.
The United States had warned of heightened military activity in the Caribbean, citing a deployment aimed at targeting narcotics operations. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration also urged civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise caution” because of the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.” In response, the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport gave the six airlines a 48‑hour deadline to resume flights, which expired on Wednesday. All the carriers maintained their suspensions, affecting more than 8,000 passengers on at least 40 flights, according to the Venezuelan Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies.
President Nicolás Maduro views the U.S. military presence—including an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy warships and stealth aircraft—as an attempt to overthrow his government. Caracas fears that regime change is the ultimate goal, while the U.S. maintains that its actions are intended to curb drug trafficking.
The flight suspensions have significant implications for travelers and the aviation industry, and the Venezuelan government’s firm stance against the airlines underscores the escalating tensions between the two countries. The ban is likely to further strain U.S.–Venezuela relations, with potential consequences for regional stability and global air travel. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain how the affected airlines will respond to the ban and what measures the United States will take to address Venezuela’s concerns.
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