Venezuela has revoked operating permits for six major international airlines following escalating tensions with the United States over airspace security warnings. The move, announced November 26-27, 2025, affects Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Gol, stranding thousands of passengers and severing key international connections. Venezuela's civil aviation authority accused the carriers of participating in what it called "state terrorism" promoted by Washington.
Venezuela Revokes Airline Operating Permits
Six carriers lose flight rights after FAA warning
The Venezuelan government's decision followed the suspension of operations by all six airlines in response to a Federal Aviation Administration security advisory issued on November 21, 2025. Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) gave the carriers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume flights or face permit revocation, which expired with no airlines complying. The action effectively isolates Venezuela further from international air travel networks, with major European and Latin American routes now suspended indefinitely.
The Maduro government accuses airlines of "state terrorism."
President Nicolás Maduro's administration framed the airline suspensions as an attack on Venezuelan sovereignty and economic stability. Government officials claimed the carriers were acting in coordination with U.S. sanctions policy to economically strangle the nation. Venezuela's Transportation Minister characterized the flight suspensions as "economic aggression" designed to harm ordinary Venezuelans and disrupt the country's international commerce.
FAA Security Warning Triggers Flight Suspensions
GPS interference and military activity cited
The FAA's NOTAM A0012/25 warned U.S. civil aviation operators about heightened risks over Venezuelan airspace, including reports of GPS signal interference and increased air-defense system activity. The warning followed months of escalating military tensions in the Caribbean region, where U.S. forces have conducted counter-narcotics operations since September 2025. European aviation safety agencies issued similar advisories, prompting carriers from Spain, Portugal, and Turkey to halt Venezuelan routes as a precautionary measure.
European nations issue similar airspace advisories.
Aviation authorities in multiple European countries recommended that their national carriers avoid Venezuelan airspace due to unpredictable military activity and communication disruptions. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency echoed U.S. concerns about potential risks to civilian aircraft operating in the region. These coordinated warnings created an international consensus that made continuing commercial operations untenable for risk-averse airlines.
Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed
November 29 escalation intensifies pressure campaign.
President Donald Trump announced on November 29 that Venezuelan airspace should be considered "closed in its entirety," marking a dramatic escalation in the bilateral standoff. The declaration followed ongoing U.S. military operations in the Caribbean aimed at intercepting drug trafficking networks allegedly protected by the Maduro government. Trump's statement did not specify immediate enforcement mechanisms but signaled Washington's intent to further isolate Venezuela economically and diplomatically.
U.S. Caribbean military buildup continues
The Trump administration has deployed additional naval and air assets to the Caribbean since September 2025 as part of what officials describe as counter-narcotics enforcement operations. Military strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels have intensified throughout November, with U.S. forces claiming multiple successful interdictions. Venezuela has condemned these operations as violations of international law and regional sovereignty, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two nations.
International Response and Diplomatic Fallout
Portugal, Spain criticize Venezuela's "disproportionate" action.
Portugal's Foreign Minister condemned Venezuela's airline ban as a "disproportionate response" that punishes ordinary travelers rather than addressing legitimate security concerns. Spain's government similarly criticized the permit revocations, calling for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the aviation dispute. Both nations have significant diaspora populations in Venezuela and rely on commercial air connections to maintain family and business ties.
Airlines seek clarity on resumption conditions.
The affected carriers have requested clear criteria from Venezuelan authorities for restoring their operating permits, but have received no definitive response. TAP Air Portugal and Iberia indicated they would comply with all reasonable safety and regulatory requirements once the security situation stabilizes. Industry analysts warn that prolonged suspension could lead airlines to permanently abandon Venezuelan routes, further isolating the country from global travel networks and damaging its tourism and business sectors.
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