Multiple international airlines have abruptly suspended flight operations to and from Venezuela after the United States issued a stark warning about a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region.
Flights Grounded Following US Alert
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24 and the official website of Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport, three carriers—Brazil's Gol, Colombia's Avianca, and Portugal's TAP Air Portugal—cancelled their services from the capital, Caracas, on Saturday. TAP Air Portugal confirmed the cancellation of its flights scheduled for that day and for the following Tuesday.
This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed, the airline stated in an official announcement.
US Points to 'Worsening Security Situation'
The mass cancellation was triggered by an alert from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued on Saturday. The FAA warned airlines flying over Venezuela of a potentially hazardous situation, citing the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.
Reports of impending US action have been mounting for weeks, coinciding with a significant military build-up in the Caribbean. Four US officials confirmed that the US is preparing to launch a new phase of operations related to the South American nation in the coming days, though the final decision from President Donald Trump is still pending.
The Pentagon has referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA has declined to comment on the operations.
Regional Tensions and Military Buildup
The tension stems from the Trump administration's focus on tackling what it describes as President Nicolas Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs to the US. In response, Venezuela's President Maduro, who celebrated his 63rd birthday on Sunday, has vehemently denied any links to the illegal drug trade.
He has accused President Trump of fabricating reasons to justify a conflict and oust him from power, claiming that the Venezuelan people and military would unite against any such attempt.
The US military presence in the region is substantial and includes the US Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, at least eight other warships, and F-35 fighter jets. US forces have already been active, carrying out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, resulting in at least 83 fatalities.
Further escalating the situation, the US plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuela-based alleged criminal group, as a foreign terrorist organisation on Monday. The Trump administration has directly accused Maduro of leading this cartel, an allegation he denies.
In a related development, Spain's Iberia airline has also announced it will cancel all flights to Caracas from Monday until further notice, signalling that the air travel disruption is likely to continue.
