Spain, Colombia & Brazil Struggle as Trump’s Venezuela Airspace Warning Shuts Down Christmas Flights!

Published on December 25, 2025

Spain, Colombia, and Brazil are facing major disruptions as President Trump’s airspace warning on Venezuela has thrown Christmas travel plans into chaos. With major airlines like Iberia, Avianca, and GOL suspending services, thousands of families are now stranded, unable to reunite for the holidays, while the tourism and hospitality industries struggle to recover from the fallout.

Spain, Colombia & Brazil Struggle as Trump’s Venezuela Airspace Warning Shuts Down Christmas Flights!

Venezuelans across the globe are facing a Christmas unlike any other this year, as President Trump’s recent airspace closure warning severely disrupts travel to and from the country. With major airlines such as Iberia, Avianca, and GOL suspending services, families are left stranded, and holiday plans have been completely altered. The announcement has created chaos in the travel industry, particularly in the airline and hospitality sectors, which are already reeling from the country’s ongoing political and economic crisis.

In this article, we delve deeper into the effects of the airspace shutdown, the impact on tourism, and provide travel tips for tourists hoping to navigate this complicated and uncertain situation.

Spain, Colombia & Brazil Struggle as Venezuela’s Airspace Warning Shuts Down Christmas Flights!

President Trump’s decision to close Venezuelan airspace, whether officially or through a de facto warning, has caused massive disruptions to international travel. Spanish, Colombian, and Brazilian nationals, along with tourists from around the world, are among the most affected by the cancellations. As a result, a significant number of travelers, including Venezuelans living abroad, are now unable to reunite with their families for the holidays.

Spain has traditionally been one of the largest sources of inbound tourism to Venezuela, with a high number of Venezuelan expatriates returning home for the festive season. However, the closure has forced Spanish airlines like Iberia to cancel all flights to Caracas. Iberia, once a mainstay in connecting Madrid to Caracas, was one of the first carriers to suspend operations after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings about security risks due to military activities in the region. With this, not only have flights been canceled, but the ripple effect on Spain’s tourism and hospitality industries has been significant.

In Colombia, a country that shares a long border with Venezuela, travelers have similarly been affected. Avianca, one of Colombia’s largest airlines, suspended its Venezuela routes in line with the U.S. warnings. The suspension left many passengers scrambling to find alternative ways to reach Venezuela or their intended destinations. With Colombia being a common stopover for travelers heading to Venezuela, its tourism sector is also feeling the impact.

Brazil, with its own strong ties to Venezuela due to the large immigrant population, has seen airlines such as GOL and LATAM suspending services. This is particularly worrying for the hospitality sector in major Brazilian cities, as many Venezuelans visit family during the Christmas period, contributing to the demand for local accommodation. The restrictions on flights have disrupted business for hotels and other services that rely on the influx of Venezuelan tourists, forcing some properties to close temporarily.

Airspace Shutdown: How It Affects the Airline Industry and Travel

The closure of Venezuelan airspace has forced airlines to make difficult decisions regarding their operations. Many international airlines, including Iberia, Copa Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights due to the increased risk posed by the U.S. warning about military activities. This has led to a sharp decline in air traffic, particularly to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, Venezuela’s primary international airport.

One of the most significant effects of this airspace warning is the reduction in available flights. Airlines are now limited to operating only a few select routes, which are often oversold and expensive due to high demand. For example, flights from Madrid to Caracas, which once were frequent and relatively affordable, are now few and far between, with some tickets for the remaining flights being priced at over 2,000 euros—far above the usual rates.

The consequences for the airline industry are devastating. With a substantial reduction in passenger numbers, many carriers are facing financial difficulties. According to aviation experts, the suspension of Venezuela routes could result in billions of dollars in lost revenue for the global airline industry. Airlines that operate long-haul routes to and from Venezuela are particularly affected, as they are forced to deal with an uncertain market and higher operational costs due to the unpredictability of the region’s airspace.

Hospitality Industry Hit Hard by Decline in Travel

The Venezuelan hospitality industry, already struggling with economic and political instability, is facing additional challenges due to the reduced flow of international tourists. Major hotel chains, local resorts, and smaller boutique properties, particularly those on Margarita Island and in Caracas, are reporting significant losses as bookings from international travelers plummet. Many Venezuelans living abroad rely on tourism to visit family and spend time in the country. Now, with international flights canceled and safety concerns mounting, the number of incoming tourists has decreased drastically.

This downturn in tourism is particularly challenging for small-scale businesses that rely heavily on Venezuelan visitors. Hotels, tour operators, and local attractions that had anticipated a busy holiday season are now faced with canceled reservations and empty rooms. Some have had to offer deep discounts to attract a shrinking pool of potential guests, while others have seen their operations grind to a halt altogether.

Venezuelan authorities have attempted to mitigate the situation by offering incentives for travelers on flights that remain operational. However, with limited flights available and many countries advising against travel, the hospitality industry is finding it increasingly difficult to recover.

What Does This Mean for Tourists?

For tourists planning a trip to Venezuela in the coming months, this airspace warning is a significant concern. The travel infrastructure, already fragile due to political unrest, is now facing the added challenge of limited flight options and rising travel costs. Those who had plans to visit Venezuela for the holidays are now grappling with cancellations and delays, with no clear solution in sight.

Tourists are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on the latest travel advisories from their home countries and international agencies. Many governments, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have issued warnings urging their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela due to the volatile security situation.

For those who still wish to visit, it is crucial to remain flexible. As flight routes continue to be adjusted or canceled, travelers may need to consider alternative methods of reaching Venezuela. Overland travel from neighboring countries like Colombia, through cities such as Riohacha or Cúcuta, is an option, although this can be time-consuming and complicated. Travelers should also be prepared for possible delays at border crossings and airports, as the flow of international travelers is expected to remain irregular.

Travel Tips for Tourists

Stay Informed
Before planning any travel to Venezuela, it is important to monitor updates from the airline, government advisories, and local news. Changes in airspace restrictions or political developments could affect travel plans at any time.

Plan for Alternative Routes
Given the limited flight options to Venezuela, consider alternative travel routes, such as flying into nearby countries like Colombia or Panama and then traveling by land. If you’re already in a neighboring country, look for chartered flights or local airlines that may still operate within the region.

Prepare for Higher Costs
Flights to Venezuela are likely to become more expensive due to limited availability. Travelers should budget for higher ticket prices and be prepared for potential disruptions in their travel schedule. Booking flights well in advance may help secure a better price, though last-minute bookings will likely come with a premium.

Safety First
While Venezuela remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its natural beauty and rich culture, safety is a top concern. Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and be cautious in large crowds. In addition, it’s important to secure any valuables and avoid traveling alone after dark. As always, keep in close contact with family and friends during your stay.

Check Visa Requirements
Before traveling to Venezuela, ensure that you meet all visa requirements and have the necessary travel documents. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for a visa in advance.

Airlines That Are Still Operating

While many major international carriers have suspended flights to Venezuela, a few airlines are still maintaining limited routes. Venezuela’s national carrier, Conviasa, continues to operate flights, although its services are restricted and often lack the frequency seen from other international airlines. Travelers should note that these flights may be subject to sudden cancellations or changes in scheduling, so it is important to remain flexible.

Other regional carriers like Aeropostal and Avior Airlines also continue to offer limited services, primarily for passengers traveling between Venezuela and nearby Latin American countries. While these airlines are still operating, the availability of seats is often limited, and tickets can be significantly more expensive due to the reduced competition.

Navigating Travel Amid Uncertainty

The current situation surrounding Venezuela’s airspace closure has created a difficult and uncertain landscape for travelers, airlines, and the hospitality industry. With many major airlines suspending services and the hospitality sector suffering from a decline in international visitors, Venezuela’s tourism industry is in a state of flux.

For tourists wishing to visit Venezuela, it is essential to plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for potential disruptions. While travel options remain limited, there are still ways to reach the country—albeit at a higher cost and with more complexity. For those considering a holiday in Venezuela, flexibility and patience will be key as they navigate these challenging times.

Spain, Colombia, and Brazil are reeling as President Trump’s airspace warning cripples Christmas travel to Venezuela, leaving families stranded and airlines scrambling. With Iberia, Avianca, and GOL canceling flights, the holiday season is turning into a travel nightmare — but is there any hope for reunions?

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers should keep an eye on changing travel advisories and be ready to adjust their plans as necessary.