New York, November 30, 2025
Venezuela has banned six major international carriers—Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL—following their suspension of flights to the country after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings about heightened military activity and security concerns in Venezuelan airspace. The ban reflects growing geopolitical tensions and escalates challenges to Venezuela’s international air connectivity.
Venezuelan authorities revoked the operating permits of these airlines after they failed to resume flights within a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC). The affected airlines had ceased operations citing FAA-issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) warning of risks such as GPS interference, increased military readiness, and active air defense systems in Venezuelan airspace.
The six carriers banned are key links between Venezuela and important Latin American and European markets. Iberia and TAP Air Portugal connect Venezuela with Europe, while Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and GOL serve crucial routes within the Americas. Turkish Airlines also maintained connections between Venezuela and international destinations. The suspension and subsequent ban significantly disrupt direct air travel options for Venezuelan citizens and the diaspora.
The FAA’s advisory followed reports of increased Venezuelan military activity and deteriorating conditions in its controlled airspace, leading multiple airlines to prioritize safety by suspending flights. European aviation authorities echoed these concerns, advising their carriers to avoid the region temporarily. Venezuela strongly condemned the airlines’ flight cancellations as acts supporting U.S. “state terrorism,” accusing them of aligning with hostile foreign policies aimed at undermining Venezuelan sovereignty.
This aviation conflict highlights the intersection of security, politics, and commercial interests amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Venezuelan government’s move to use flight permissions as a tool of political leverage underscores the broader diplomatic strain marked by sanctions, indictments, and military posturing.
While other airlines such as Air Europa and Plus Ultra also suspended flights citing the same risks, they have retained their operating licenses pending further developments. By contrast, the six banned airlines face an indefinite prohibition unless Venezuela reverses its stance.
The ongoing situation complicates mobility and commerce, particularly for business leaders, policymakers, and the sizable Venezuelan diaspora who rely heavily on these air links. It also signals increased volatility in Venezuela’s ability to maintain open international transportation corridors amid geopolitical confrontations, potentially affecting broader regional economic and diplomatic dynamics in the near term.