Airlines Cancel Flights to Venezuela Following FAA Warning

Over the weekend, multiple international airlines halted flights to and from Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about “potentially dangerous conditions” in the area.

TAP Air Portugal shared that it canceled its flights connecting through Caracas on Saturday and again on Tuesday, stating to Reuters, “This choice stems from information released by U.S. aviation authorities regarding the uncertain safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace.”

Iberia Airlines from Spain also revealed its decision to suspend flights to Venezuela indefinitely, beginning Monday. The airline mentioned, “We will monitor the situation and determine when to resume services.”

South American airline Gol from Brazil and Avianca from Colombia both canceled flights to Caracas on Saturday as well.

Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement highlighting “potential risks” associated with continuing flights to the Maiquetia region near Caracas.

Moreover, Caribbean Airlines and Chile’s Latam Airlines opted to pause their flights to Venezuela for the time being, following the FAA’s warning, as reported by Bloomberg.

The FAA has urged airlines to “exercise vigilance” in light of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela and the increased military presence in the region.

They stated, “Due to the deteriorating security situation and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela, operators are advised to use caution at all altitudes in the Maiquetia Flight Information Area.”

The FAA go on to elaborate that “Threats may pose potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes, whether during overflights, during arrival and departure phases, or to aircraft on the ground.” Airlines have been instructed to inform the FAA at least 72 hours before any intended flights in that region.

Since 2019, U.S. passenger and cargo carriers have suspended direct flights to Venezuela, though some airlines continue to operate over Venezuela en route to other South American destinations, Reuters noted. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines clarified this week that they had ceased flying over Venezuelan airspace several months ago.