Venezuela Takes Drastic Action Against International Airlines
Venezuela has imposed a sweeping ban on six major international airlines, accusing them of participating in "state terrorism" after the carriers suspended flights to the country. The dramatic move comes in response to a safety advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that warned of potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace.
Airlines Face Operational Permit Revocation
Venezuela's civil aviation authority announced late on Wednesday that it would revoke operational permits for Spain's Iberia, Portugal's Tap, Colombia's Avianca, Chile and Brazil's Latam, Brazil's Gol, and Turkish Airlines. The authority justified its decision by stating these carriers had joined "actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government" by unilaterally suspending their commercial operations.
The crisis escalated last week when the FAA issued an official warning to airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela. The American aviation body cited a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity" in or around the South American nation as the primary concerns.
International Backlash and Safety Concerns
Portugal's foreign affairs minister, Paulo Rangel, strongly condemned Venezuela's decision, calling it "totally disproportionate". He revealed that Portugal had attempted through diplomatic channels to persuade Venezuelan authorities to reinstate operating rights for Tap. Minister Rangel emphasised that Portugal had "no intention of cancelling our routes to Venezuela, and that, obviously, we only did so for security reasons".
The tension occurs against the backdrop of the United States deploying its largest military presence to the Caribbean in decades. American officials claim this deployment aims to combat the role of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in supplying illegal drugs that have killed US citizens. Maduro has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that Donald Trump is actively seeking to remove him from power.
Airlines Respond to 48-Hour Ultimatum
According to the International Air Transport Association, Venezuelan authorities had given international airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume flights or risk losing their operational rights. Despite this ultimatum, several carriers maintained their suspension of services to Venezuela.
Iberia expressed its desire to restart Venezuelan operations as soon as "full safety conditions were met". Meanwhile, Avianca announced plans to reschedule cancelled flights to Caracas for 5 December, though the company declined to comment on the restrictions imposed by Venezuela.
Not all airlines faced the same consequences. Both Air Europa and Plus Ultra had suspended flights but did not have their permits revoked. International carrier Copa and its low-cost subsidiary Wingo continue to operate in Venezuela, alongside domestic airlines serving routes to Colombia, Panama, and Curaçao.
The situation highlights the growing geopolitical tensions affecting international aviation and raises concerns about the intersection of aviation safety with broader political conflicts. Travellers and aviation industry professionals will be watching closely as this diplomatic standoff continues to unfold.
