Venezuela has suspended the operating rights of six foreign airlines amid escalating tensions with the United States, after several carriers temporarily paused flights citing security concerns. The airlines affected include Iberia (Spain), TAP Air Portugal, Avianca (Colombia), GOL (Brazil), Turkish Airlines, and LATAM (Chile and Brazil).

The decision, announced by Venezuela’s civil aviation authority, accuses the airlines of participating in “actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States.” The move has drawn sharp criticism from foreign governments and airline officials, who described it as “disproportionate” given the circumstances.

Security Concerns Prompt Flight Suspensions

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently warned airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace, citing heightened military activity and worsening security conditions. In response, several airlines temporarily suspended flights to protect passengers and crew.

Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel emphasised that TAP’s cancellations were purely for safety reasons. He said Portuguese authorities would engage with Venezuela to clarify that the measure was disproportionate and that TAP had no intention of permanently suspending routes.

Rising US-Venezuela Tensions

The airline suspension comes amid a period of heightened US-Venezuela tensions, particularly following the return of Donald Trump to the White House for a second term. The Trump administration has deployed significant military forces in the Caribbean, citing the need to combat illegal drug trafficking.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned these troop movements, claiming they signal potential US attempts to destabilise his government. In response, Venezuela has undertaken its own military preparations, heightening regional security concerns.

The US has consistently opposed Maduro, citing human rights violations and political repression. Recently, the US recognized the Venezuelan opposition as the rightful winner of the 2024 presidential election, a decision Maduro disputes.

Recent US Military Actions

Since September, the US has carried out at least 21 airstrikes on boats and vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, resulting in an estimated 83 fatalities. While US officials claimed some of those targeted were connected to criminal groups in Venezuela, international legal experts have criticized the strikes as potential extrajudicial killings.

These security risks prompted airlines to suspend flights, leading Venezuela to issue a warning that airlines had 48 hours to resume operations or face suspension of their operating rights. Venezuelan Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello stated, “Keep your planes, and we will keep our dignity,” reflecting Maduro’s firm stance on sovereignty.

Airlines’ Response

Iberia, among the airlines affected, said it hopes to resume flights as soon as full security conditions are met, but cautioned that operations cannot continue in high-risk areas. Airlines and foreign governments are now engaged in discussions with Venezuelan authorities to resolve the dispute and restore air connectivity.