With increasing reports of looming U.S. action in Venezuela and a buildup of U.S. military jets and warships gathering by the country’s coast along the Caribbean Sea, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also put out a Nov. 21 warning telling airlines of a “potentially hazardous” and “worsening security situation.”
While the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) does not go so far as call for the cancelation of flights over Venezuelan airspace, it urges any carrier flying into the South American country to “exercise caution” over “heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.”
As a result, several international airlines have proactively called off their flights to Venezuela. American carriers have not flown directly into the country since 2019 when the United States officially severed all diplomatic ties after President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner in a highly contested election in 2019.
“Safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed”
Avianca, the flag carrier of Colombia, canceled its flights between Bogotá and the Venezuelan capital of Caracas starting from Nov. 21. TAP Air Portugal, Spain’s Iberia and Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aereas have all temporarily suspended their services to Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas.
“This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” a TAP Air Portugal spokesperson said to Reuters.
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An Iberia spokesperson also issued a statement saying that it “will assess the situation to decide when to resume flights to that country.”
While no U.S. airline has flown directly into Venezuela since 2019, American and Delta have both stopped flying over its airspace in the last two months.
While known for Angel Falls, Venezuela has lacked diplomatic relations with the U.S. since 2019.
Image source: Shutterstock
What is happening with Venezuela under Trump
All this comes at a time when the entire region around the Caribbean coast is on edge as the Trump administration continues to ramp up pressure on the Maduro government and build up military presence in the waters around Venezuela.
While Trump’s statements over the last few weeks have differed between threatening attacks and expressing openness toward a diplomatic solution, multiple members of the Trump administration have now suggested upcoming military action while on Nov. 20 the U.S. military flew planes including a F/A-18E fighter jet and a B-52 strategic bomber in the latest display of force toward the country’s leadership.
Multiple experts have now also speculated that the Trump administration is preparing to actively try to overthrow the Maduro government.
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Given the lack of diplomatic relations, the U.S. State Department keeps Venezuela under a level four “do not travel” advisory and has in place a particularly alarmist travel warning telling any U.S. citizens currently in the country to “prepare a will” and “consider hiring a professional security organization.”
“The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Venezuela,” the travel advisory for the country reads. “Anyone with U.S. citizenship or any other U.S. residency status in Venezuela should leave the country immediately, including those traveling on Venezuelan or other foreign passports.”
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