DOJO – At least six international airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings about “heightened military activity” in the region, industry sources reported.
Flight Disruptions
According to Fox News Digital and CBS News, airlines suspending operations include:
- Iberia (Spain)
- TAP Air Portugal
- LATAM (Chile)
- Avianca (Colombia)
- GOL (Brazil)
- Turkish Airlines (Nov. 24–28)
Other carriers, including Copa Airlines, Air Europa, PlusUltra, and Venezuela’s LASER Airlines, continue limited operations. The FAA advised airlines to exercise caution due to threats affecting aircraft at all altitudes and airports.
Military Buildup
The U.S. has deployed significant military resources to the Caribbean, including:
- Aircraft carrier strike group and Navy warships
- Stealth aircraft and fighter jets
- Around 15,000 troops in the region
Officials say these moves target drug trafficking, though tensions in Caracas have escalated amid concerns over potential regime change. U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels have killed more than 80 people since September, though concrete evidence linking all targeted ships to trafficking has not been publicly released.
Political Context
The U.S. government has designated the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the network is responsible for drug trafficking and regional violence, affecting the U.S. and Europe.
President Trump has not ruled out potential military action in Venezuela and previously authorized covert CIA operations in the country. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has led the country since 2013, said he is open to face-to-face talks with the U.S.
International Response
European nations and the U.K. updated travel guidance following the FAA advisory. Germany warned the situation remains tense, while the U.K. urged travelers to monitor flight updates due to short-notice cancellations.
