Venezuela Cancels Flight Rights for Six Airlines as Tensions With the U.S. Deepen

Venezuela has withdrawn operating rights from six major international airlines after they suspended flights following a safety alert issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The move further restricts the country’s already limited air connectivity and marks another escalation in the dispute between Washington and Caracas.

Six Carriers Lose Access to Venezuelan Routes

The civil aviation authority in Caracas revoked flight permits for:

• Iberia
• TAP Air Portugal
• Avianca
• LATAM Colombia
• Turkish Airlines
• Gol Linhas Aéreas

The Venezuelan government accused the airlines of participating in “state terrorism” allegedly led by the United States, saying the carriers stopped operations “unilaterally” after the FAA warning.

FAA Warns of Dangerous Conditions Over Venezuela

Last week, the FAA advised U.S. and foreign airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace due to deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity.

Caracas rejected the FAA’s alert, arguing that the U.S. has “no authority” over Venezuelan airspace.

U.S.–Venezuela Tensions Continue to Rise

The diplomatic clash comes amid a broader buildup of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Washington says the deployments are tied to efforts to counter alleged drug trafficking linked to President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Maduro has repeatedly denied the accusations, claiming the United States—under President Donald Trump—aims to destabilize his administration and remove him from power.

Airlines Face 48-Hour Ultimatum They Didn’t Meet

Earlier this week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that Venezuelan authorities gave airlines 48 hours to resume flights or lose their operating rights. Several carriers chose not to comply.

Airlines that suspended flights but kept their permits:

• Air Europa
• Plus Ultra

Airlines that continue to operate:

• Copa Airlines
• Wingo
• Several Venezuelan carriers flying to Colombia, Panama, and Curaçao.

Iberia said it hopes to restart flights once it determines conditions are safe.