Venezuela Revokes Flight Rights for Six Airlines Amid Heightened US Tensions & FAA Safety Warning

Venezuela Revokes Flight Rights for Six Airlines Amid Heightened US Tensions

Venezuela has revoked the operating permits for six major international airlines, a move that significantly escalates the ongoing diplomatic and political tensions with the United States. This decision comes in the wake of an advisory issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace.

The airlines affected by Caracas's decree include prominent carriers like Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol. Venezuela's civil aviation authority explicitly stated that these carriers had "joined actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States" by unilaterally suspending their commercial flights to the country. This strong condemnation highlights the severe geopolitical implications behind what might otherwise appear to be a purely aviation-related decision.

Last week, the U.S. FAA had advised major airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela. The warning cited a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around" the South American nation. However, Caracas vehemently rejected this alert, asserting that the U.S. safety agency possesses no authority over its sovereign airspace.

Escalating US-Venezuela Standoff

This latest development is a direct consequence of months of worsening relations between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean, stating its objective is to combat illegal drug trafficking, which it alleges is facilitated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's administration and has contributed to American fatalities. President Maduro, however, has consistently denied these accusations, instead claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump is actively seeking to destabilize his government and orchestrate his removal from power.

Several international airlines had already ceased flights to Venezuela in the days leading up to the revocation of permits, effectively ignoring a 48-hour ultimatum from Caracas to resume services. While Iberia expressed its desire to restart flights once full safety conditions are assured, other carriers like Air Europa and Plus Ultra, which had also suspended flights, did not have their permits officially revoked, indicating a selective application of the punitive measure by Venezuelan authorities.

The revocation of these flight rights is expected to further isolate Venezuela and complicate travel to and from the country, adding another layer to its already complex international standing.