Caracas: The Venezuelan government has revoked the operating permits of six major international airlines, escalating an ongoing dispute with the United States. The affected carriers, including Spain’s Iberia and Portugal’s TAP Air Portugal, had suspended flights to Venezuela following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace. Caracas has described the move as a necessary measure in response to what it calls coordinated pressure from Washington.
The FAA alert, issued last week, advised airlines to avoid or exercise extreme caution over Venezuelan airspace due to increased military activity and safety concerns for commercial flights. In response, the airlines halted services temporarily, prompting Caracas to set a 48-hour deadline for resuming operations. With no flights reinstated by the deadline, the Venezuelan aviation authority formally revoked their landing and overflight rights, a move expected to severely disrupt international connectivity.
Aviation experts warn that the decision will further isolate Venezuela, already one of Latin America’s most restricted countries in terms of air travel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed concern that the revocation of permits could worsen the country’s economic and humanitarian challenges, particularly for citizens who rely on travel for essential services, business, and remittances.
Venezuelan authorities, however, argue that the airlines’ suspension of flights after the FAA advisory was politically motivated, framing the action as participation in what they term “hostile measures against Venezuelan sovereignty.” State media reinforced this perspective, portraying the airline suspensions as part of a coordinated effort aligned with US influence in the region.
Passengers and businesses have been directly affected, with widespread flight cancellations leaving travelers stranded and disrupting trade and tourism. Analysts have highlighted that ongoing restrictions could further impede economic recovery and regional connectivity, deepening the country’s isolation from global aviation networks.
The move underscores growing geopolitical tensions between Venezuela and the United States, highlighting the intersection of international diplomacy, aviation safety, and regional economic stability. As Caracas enforces the revocation, the future of air travel to and from Venezuela remains uncertain, with both commercial and humanitarian implications hanging in the balance.