Six major carriers halted flights to Venezuela on November 22 after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of “heightened military activity” and a worsening security environment around the country. The suspensions—by Iberia, TAP, LATAM, Avianca, GOL, and Caribbean Airlines—mark the most significant disruption to commercial links since Washington stepped up its regional military posture.
Venezuelan Airlines Association president Marisela de Loaiza confirmed the cancellations but gave no timeline for resumption, as several other airlines—including Copa, Air Europa, PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER—continue limited operations.
The FAA alert on November 22 cautioned civilian aircraft to remain vigilant, warning of potential threats at all altitudes and during every phase of flight, from overflight to landing. The advisory underscores rising anxiety as relations between the United States and President Nicolás Maduro’s government grow increasingly strained.
Click through for an account of the incidents and a brief history of the often fraught relationship between the United States and Venezuela.