Iberia Joins TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and more in Being Banned From Venezuela as Political Tensions Reach Boiling Point – The Aviation World Stunned

Published on November 27, 2025

In a dramatic move that signals the country’s growing resistance to external pressures, Venezuela has officially revoked the operating permits of six international airlines — Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol — after they failed to meet a government-imposed 48-hour ultimatum. These airlines had suspended their flights to Venezuela following a safety warning issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This unprecedented action marks a critical turning point in the country’s ongoing struggle over airspace sovereignty and its response to external geopolitical pressures. Venezuela’s decision has sent shockwaves through the tourism and aviation industries, leaving travelers stranded and airlines rethinking their strategies for future operations in the region.

What Led to the Dramatic Action? The FAA’s Warning and the 48-Hour Deadline

The roots of this crisis stem from a U.S. government advisory, which warned airlines of increased military activity and a heightened security risk over Venezuela’s airspace. The FAA urged commercial flights to exercise caution, citing potential threats to civilian aviation. In response, six airlines, including major international players such as Iberia and Turkish Airlines, temporarily halted their flights to Caracas and other Venezuelan cities.

Venezuela’s government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, rejected this advisory as an infringement on its national sovereignty, accusing the United States of using such warnings as part of a broader geopolitical strategy to isolate the country. The Venezuelan authorities issued a stern ultimatum: resume operations within 48 hours or face revocation of flight rights. With the deadline passing and no action taken, the government followed through with its threat, pulling the operating permits of these six airlines.

What Does This Mean for Airlines and Travelers? The Long-Term Impact on Air Connectivity

For travelers, this move creates a profound disruption in their ability to access Venezuela. With Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam, Turkish, and Gol all off the table, tourists and business travelers now face severe limitations in connecting to the country.

Many had relied on these airlines for direct routes from Europe and Latin America, but now, with these carriers barred, passengers may need to navigate more complicated and expensive routes. Airlines like Copa Airlines, Wingo, and Boliviana de Aviación continue to operate, but they are far fewer in number, leaving international travelers with limited options.

The cancellation of these flights may also discourage potential tourists from visiting Venezuela, as reduced connectivity can be a significant barrier for international visitors, especially those from Europe and North America. Consequently, the country’s already fragile tourism industry could take another hit, as travelers look to destinations with more robust flight options.

Venezuela’s Sovereignty vs. International Aviation: The Geopolitical Implications

The incident is more than just an aviation issue; it underscores a larger geopolitical struggle. Venezuela’s bold stance against the U.S. warning is rooted in a desire to protect its sovereignty over its airspace and resist what it perceives as foreign interference in its domestic affairs.

Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, have repeatedly emphasized that Venezuela has the right to decide which international carriers may operate within its borders. This revocation is seen as a direct response to what the government views as foreign influence over its national security. By asserting control over foreign airlines’ operations, Venezuela is sending a message that it will not be dictated to by external powers — particularly the United States.

While the move has strong political motivations, it also raises concerns about the broader regional aviation industry. U.S. airlines and other international carriers may reconsider their positions on flying to Venezuela, especially as military tensions rise in the Caribbean.

The Broader Picture: U.S. Military Tensions and Venezuela’s Response

The situation comes amid increased military activity in the Caribbean, as the United States has ramped up its operations under Operation Southern Spear, aimed at tackling drug trafficking and security concerns. This operation has led to heightened military activity, including B-52H bombers conducting strike demonstrations in Caribbean waters.

The Venezuelan government has framed the FAA’s warning as part of a broader campaign by the U.S. to undermine its sovereignty, particularly in the face of escalating tensions. This political backdrop is significant: Venezuela views the withdrawal of international airlines not as a simple dispute over air safety, but as part of a larger strategy to exert pressure on the Maduro administration.

In contrast, Venezuelan officials argue that the removal of these airlines is not only about security but also about asserting the country’s right to determine who operates within its territory.

Which Airlines Are Still Operating, and What Does the Future Hold?

Despite the flight bans, not all international airlines have ceased operations. Smaller regional carriers like Copa Airlines, Avior, Wingo, and Conviasa continue to fly to Venezuela, offering limited options for travelers. However, these airlines are unable to match the capacity or frequency of the revoked carriers, leaving the country more isolated than ever.

The next steps for the banned airlines remain uncertain. It is possible that Iberia, TAP, Avianca, and others will seek to reapply for permits or negotiate new agreements with the Venezuelan government once tensions subside. However, the prospects of this seem bleak, given the current political environment.

For travelers, this uncertainty means that planning trips to Venezuela could become even more complicated and expensive. Airlines will likely explore alternative routes, possibly with connecting flights through neighboring countries, but such arrangements will require more time and resources.

The Future of Venezuela’s Tourism Industry: Is There Hope?

While the immediate future looks bleak for Venezuela’s tourism industry, this move could also lead to greater opportunities for local businesses and airlines to fill the gap left by the international giants. Smaller carriers may see an increase in demand as travelers seek to fill the void left by the suspended airlines.

However, the larger problem remains: international tourism to Venezuela is now significantly more difficult, and many travelers may choose to bypass the country altogether due to flight restrictions and uncertainty. To attract international tourists, Venezuela will need to address broader geopolitical tensions and restore confidence in its aviation safety and political stability. Until then, the future of the industry remains uncertain.

Conclusion: A Major Setback for Venezuela’s Travel and Tourism Industry

Venezuela’s bold move to revoke the operating permits of six major international airlines will undoubtedly have long-lasting implications for the country’s aviation sector, tourism industry, and overall international relations. The decision underscores the geopolitical tension in the Caribbean and highlights the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with the practical needs of a globalized travel network.

For now, travelers must navigate an increasingly complicated journey to Venezuela, with fewer flight options, longer travel times, and greater uncertainty. The country’s political and economic future remains entwined with its ability to manage such international disputes, as it seeks to maintain a fragile hold on its global travel connections.