Venezuela has given international airlines 48 hours to resume flights to Caracas or risk losing the right to operate in the country, according to an alert bulletin from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Venezuelan directive came after several carriers suspended service following a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about the “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace related to US military action in the region.
Venezuela’s National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) issued the ultimatum. IATA, which represents about 350 airlines worldwide, criticized the move and urged authorities in Caracas to withdraw the deadline, warning that it would further isolate a country already among the least-connected in Latin America.
Multiple international carriers halted flights after the FAA advised operators to “exercise caution” in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) due to “worsening security conditions and heightened military activity.” The advisory coincided with a significant US military buildup in the southern Caribbean in recent months, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier, additional warships, and F-35 fighter jets.
Spanish carrier Air Europa suspended its five weekly flights between Madrid and Caracas “until conditions allow,” while Plus Ultra halted the same route, according to Spanish media. Iberia said its suspension would run at least through December 1, 2025. Brazil’s Gol canceled its Tuesday and Wednesday flights to Caracas, and Colombian carrier Avianca also paused operations. TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines suspended flights through the end of the week.
Panama’s Copa Airlines and Venezuelan state-run Conviasa continue to operate, though with reduced schedules.
The FAA’s notice cited risks to aircraft “at all altitudes” and warned of possible threats arising from increased military activity. The advisory applies to US airlines and pilots, but other operators often follow FAA guidance in high-risk areas.
The US and Venezuela remain in a tense standoff. Washington views President Nicolás Maduro’s 2024 re-election as illegitimate, and on Monday formally designated the Cartel de los Soles — a network accused of narcotics trafficking — as a foreign terrorist rganization, identifying Maduro as its top figure. Maduro, speaking on his weekly television program, criticized the US for military operations in the region and said Venezuela “will not be defeated.”
IATA said airlines intend to return to Venezuela “as soon as conditions allow,” but emphasized that operational decisions must be based on safety assessments, not government pressure.
