Key Points:
- Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Caribbean Airlines cancelled Venezuela flights after FAA warning
- FAA issued “potentially hazardous situation” notice citing increased military activity and deteriorating security in Venezuelan airspace
- US has deployed USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, eight warships, and F-35 fighter jets as part of “Operation Southern Spear”
- Trump administration considering new phase of operations against Venezuela, including possible covert action to remove Maduro
- US has conducted at least 21 military strikes since September, killing at least 83 people
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela reached a critical point over the weekend as six major international airlines suspended flights to Caracas following a stark warning from US aviation authorities about military activity in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen on Friday, cautioning carriers about a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace and warning that threats could pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes.
The airlines took immediate action, with Spain’s Iberia indefinitely suspending its Caracas route starting Monday, while Portugal’s TAP cancelled flights for Saturday and Tuesday. Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Caribbean Airlines also grounded their Venezuela operations, leaving passengers stranded as several flights were cancelled while preparing for takeoff from Simón Bolívar International Airport. Flightradar24 data confirmed the widespread cancellations, though Panama’s Copa Airlines and Wingo continued operations on Saturday.
Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority, Aeronáutica Civil, explicitly cited “potential risks” in the Maiquetía area near Caracas due to deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity. The FAA advisory noted that the security situation in Venezuela and surrounding areas is rapidly deteriorating, prompting the unprecedented airline response.
The flight suspensions coincide with a massive US military buildup that has been escalating for months. The US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean as part of “Operation Southern Spear,” which now includes nearly a dozen warships and approximately 12,000 sailors and Marines. The deployment represents the largest concentration of American firepower in the region in generations, accompanied by F-35 stealth fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers.
Since early September, US forces have conducted at least 21 strikes on vessels off Venezuela’s coast, killing at least 83 people that the Trump administration claims were involved in drug trafficking. The administration has increased its reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million and recently ran a war game scenario on ousting the Venezuelan president, which forecast significant turmoil and potential violence in a post-Maduro Venezuela.
According to four US officials who spoke with Reuters, the Trump administration is preparing to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, though the exact timing and scope remain unclear. Officials indicated that options under consideration include covert action and efforts to depose President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power since 2013. The administration has authorised CIA covert operations within Venezuela and intensified rhetoric against Caracas, alleging Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking that has resulted in American fatalities.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has responded by asserting that Trump aims to remove him from power, claiming that Venezuelan citizens and the military would oppose any US intervention. Human rights organisations have condemned the US strikes as unlawful killings, while US allies have raised increasing concerns about potential violations of international law. Venezuelans on the ground express more immediate concerns about rising food prices than military threats, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the crisis.
The military capabilities of the United States far surpass those of Venezuela, which suffers from inadequate training, low wages, and deteriorating equipment, with some commanders reportedly negotiating with local food suppliers to sustain their troops. Senate Republicans recently voted to reject legislation that would have restricted Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorisation, further clearing the path for potential military action.
As airlines take a cautious approach and the military buildup continues, regional tensions show no signs of easing, with Trinidad and Tobago offering full support for US operations despite being only 11 kilometres from Venezuela at its closest point. The situation remains fluid, with airlines indicating they will not resume normal operations until security conditions stabilise.
