Why Did Venezuela Suddenly Ban International Airlines from Its Airspace?
What happened?
Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) has revoked the operating permits of six major international airlines: Iberia from Spain, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca from Colombia, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL from Brazil.
These airlines are now banned from Venezuelan airspace after they suspended their flights last week in response to guidance from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which advised them to avoid the country due to "heightened military activity."
What exactly did American authorities say about Venezuela and why?
The US FAA issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on November 21, 2025, warning airlines to use extreme caution when operating in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (Venezuela's sole designated airspace volume).
The alert is connected to a series of escalating developments amid the US-Venezuela strained relations under President Trump.
One of the main concerns cited by the FAA includes Venezuelan military mobilization and US military buildup, which now pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes.
Since September 2025, Venezuela has deployed military assets, including advanced surface-to-air missile systems capable of hitting commercial aircraft. Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean to the highest level since 1989, now including the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group, about 15,000 troops, F-35 fighter aircraft, and expanded naval operations.
How did Venezuela respond to the US FAA warning?
Venezuela's INAC accused the six airlines of supporting what it called US-backed "state terrorism" and published the flight revocations.
The decision came after INAC issued a 48-hour ultimatum on November 24 through IATA, ordering Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL to restore their flights to Caracas immediately.
INAC labeled the airline suspensions "illegal" and claimed they were politically motivated and based on a US directive designed to damage Venezuela.
When none of the six carriers complied by November 27, INAC revoked all their operating rights, blocking the airlines from Venezuelan airspace and from operating at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS).
The agency said that by following the FAA advisory, the airlines were participating in US aggression and discriminating against Venezuela.
Though IATA urged Venezuela to reconsider, the government stood firm, prioritizing "dignity" over foreign connectivity.
Read our dedicated article about IATA’s role in the aviation industry for more insights about its responsibilities, services, standards, and regulations.
What is the impact on travel?
The revocations cut most long-haul and regional connections into Caracas, stranding thousands of travelers and worsening the country’s already limited global links.
Before the ban, the six airlines provided essential connections for Venezuelan communities in Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil, and Turkey. These markets support large diaspora populations, significant remittance flows, and critical travel for work and family.
Now, Venezuelans abroad face long detours through Panama City or other indirect hubs.
What sparked the recent tensions between the US and Venezuela?
The surge in US-Venezuela tensions grew from a long history of distrust that intensified under President Trump’s second term after Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election.
Nicolás Maduro quickly claimed victory, but the opposition argued that the vote was neither free nor fair. They were concerned about blocked vote counts, missing tallies, and reports of intimidation at polling centers.
The US rejected the results immediately, saying the Venezuelan government continued to harm democratic institutions.
According to investigations by Human Rights Watch, security agencies were implicated in kidnappings, torture of detainees, and politically motivated killings. These findings reinforced the US position that democracy in Venezuela had been severely compromised.
Check out our explainer on Trump’s impact on travel that discusses other key changes in the industry during his term.
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