In a major increase in international tensions, the Venezuelan government has suddenly cancelled the operating rights of six large international airlines. This decision effectively cuts important air connections. The government accuses the airlines of taking part in "state terrorism" organized by the United States. The move was announced on Wednesday by Venezuela's civil aviation authority. It targets well-known carriers including Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines, banning them from the main international airport that serves the capital city, Caracas.
This decision came after the government gave the airlines 48 hours to restart their flights. The airlines had suspended their services after a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last Friday. The U.S. warning pointed to a "worsening security situation and increased military activity" in the region. However, the Venezuelan authority criticized the airlines, saying they were "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government." In other words, Venezuela sees the airlines' safety decision as a political move.
This aviation crisis is directly connected to a large U.S. military deployment to the region, which is reported to be the biggest since 1989. This military force includes the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and 15,000 troops. It has already conducted more than 21 strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs, leading to over 80 deaths. While the United States insists its operations are only about fighting drug trafficking, analysts observe that the size of the deployment is unusual, indicating it might have wider strategic goals.
The international response has been quick and negative. For example, Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister called the ban "totally disproportionate." He explained that TAP Portugal’s decision to suspend flights was based only on safety. The affected airlines have said they want to return to normal operations. Iberia stated it hopes to restart flights "as soon as full safety conditions are met." Attempts by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) to help find a solution were unsuccessful.
This confrontation is happening during a long period of hostility. The U.S. and many other countries do not accept President Nicolás Maduro's 2019 re-election as legitimate. The language from both sides remains aggressive and unpredictable. While President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals, Maduro has released videos showing a calm Caracas to dispute the FAA's security warnings.
For now, travel is still possible using a few other airlines. However, the use of aviation policy as a weapon marks a dangerous new step in this conflict. It has left thousands of passengers stranded, and the situation remains very uncertain, with the potential for either further escalation or a sudden diplomatic solution.