Airlines Cancel Venezuela Flights Following Warnings of Military Action from Trump Administration

Airlines Halt Flights to Venezuela After FAA Warning

Over the weekend, several U.S. and international airlines canceled flights to Venezuela following a 90-day flight advisory issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This advisory, released on Friday, highlighted an uptick in risks for commercial flights operating in the area.

Reports indicate a significant military buildup around Venezuela is contributing to a “deterioration of security” alongside “increased military activity.” Airlines such as Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, and Brazil’s GOL have all suspended operations. The Venezuelan Airlines Association acknowledged the suspension but has not specified how long it will last, despite the FAA’s advisory indicating a deadline of February 19, 2026.

On Sunday, Turkish Airlines announced it would cancel flights scheduled between November 24 and 28. Meanwhile, both American Airlines and United Airlines confirmed they have stopped overflying Venezuela.

The FAA’s announcement emphasized that threats could present risks to aircraft at any altitude, particularly during critical phases such as overflights, takeoffs, and landings.

The FAA also mentioned recent incidents of interference with satellite navigation systems and the military escalation in Venezuela. Airlines like Venezuela’s LASER, Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa, and Plus Ultra continue to operate, but they must alert the FAA with detailed flight plans 72 hours prior to entering Venezuelan airspace.

In related news, the U.S. military recently executed an operation involving a fishing boat suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in more than 80 casualties. The nature of the threat the fishing boat posed to the United States is currently unclear, leading to bipartisan concerns among lawmakers regarding national security explanations.

On November 16, the Trump administration designated the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This designation, effective Monday, is expected to provide the administration with various new strategies to tackle narcotics-related terrorism in the Caribbean.

Currently, there are around 15,000 U.S. troops stationed in the region, supported by advanced military assets like the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. Additionally, several U.S. military jets are positioned in Puerto Rico, approximately 800 miles from Venezuela.