Airlines Suspend Venezuela Flights Amid U.S. Military Concerns

Airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela following a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding risks associated with “heightened military activity” in the region. On Saturday, six airlines, including Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, and Brazil’s GOL, announced the suspension of their operations to the country. Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV), confirmed the suspensions but did not specify their duration.

While these airlines have halted flights, others, such as Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa, and Venezuela’s LASER, continue to operate services for the time being. Turkish Airlines has announced it will cancel flights from November 24-28, 2023, further complicating travel plans for passengers heading to Venezuela.

The FAA’s warning, issued on November 17, 2023, urged civilian aircraft to “exercise caution” when flying in Venezuelan airspace due to a deteriorating security situation. The agency highlighted that threats could potentially pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including during takeoff and landing phases.

In response to growing tensions, the United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier strike group and additional Navy warships. The U.S. government claims these moves are aimed at combating drug trafficking, but they have raised concerns in Caracas about possible intentions for regime change.

Among the U.S. actions, a terrorism designation for a drug cartel allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro takes effect on November 20, 2023. This designation has led some analysts to speculate about potential military action against his government. Since early September, U.S. forces have engaged in operations against more than 20 vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in over 80 fatalities. However, concrete evidence linking these vessels to drug trafficking has not been disclosed.

The situation remains dynamic, with discussions within the Trump administration exploring psychological tactics to pressure Maduro. Reports indicate that officials considered dropping leaflets in Caracas, a strategy aimed at undermining Maduro’s authority. President Donald Trump has not ruled out military intervention in Venezuela, stating, “I don’t rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela.”

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has faced intense criticism on the international stage, particularly following his controversial victory in the July 2024 presidential elections, which many countries, including the United States, do not recognize. The Trump administration has accused him of leading a drug cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

As tensions persist, a recent CBS News poll indicates that a majority of Americans oppose military action in Venezuela. The U.S. currently maintains approximately 15,000 troops in the region, along with significant naval assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, and various guided missile destroyers. The implications of this military presence and its potential impact on both Venezuelan and regional stability continue to unfold.