Turkish Airlines Stops Flights To Venezuela, Responding To US And Colombia’s Heightened Security Alerts

Published on November 25, 2025

Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Venezuela, a move prompted by growing security concerns following heightened alerts from the US and Colombia. The decision comes amid rising tensions in the region, with both countries advising against travel to Venezuela due to escalating safety risks. This suspension reflects the airline’s commitment to safeguarding passengers and aligning with international security recommendations.

Venezuela is experiencing significant aviation disruptions as multiple international airlines have suspended operations due to escalating security concerns. On November 23, 2025, carriers including Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal announced they would halt flights to the country, responding to warnings from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about deteriorating conditions in Venezuelan airspace.

The FAA issued a safety advisory urging caution for all aircraft operating over Venezuelan airspace, citing increasing military activity and a worsening security situation in the region. The advisory highlighted the potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including during takeoff, landing, and while on the ground. These concerns follow a rise in U.S. military presence near Venezuela, including bomber flights over the Caribbean Sea and naval deployments, all part of ongoing efforts to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government.

As a result of these security warnings, a number of international airlines began suspending their flights to Venezuela. Turkish Airlines, one of the most prominent carriers, suspended its Istanbul–Caracas flights from November 24 to 28. In response, the airline arranged alternative travel routes for affected passengers, rerouting them through regional hubs such as Bogotá, Panama City, Cancún, Mexico City, and Havana. Other airlines quickly followed suit, reducing their operations in Venezuela due to heightened security risks.

TAP Air Portugal, LATAM Airlines, Avianca, Iberia, Gol Linhas Aéreas, and Caribbean Airlines also announced indefinite suspensions of their services to Venezuela. These cancellations have left travelers uncertain about their ability to fly in and out of the country, with disruptions affecting both regional and long-haul connectivity. For many passengers, these suspensions highlight the growing instability within the Venezuelan aviation sector, which has struggled for years due to political and economic challenges.

Industry representatives have expressed concern about the widespread impact of these disruptions. According to Marisela de Loaiza, the president of the Airlines Association in Venezuela, the suspension of these major carriers has created a significant void in the country’s air travel options. Venezuela relies on international carriers for both long-haul and regional flights, and the loss of these services will severely limit travel options for both business and leisure travelers. Many South American passengers, in particular, depend on these airlines for connecting flights to and from Venezuela, making the suspension even more impactful.

The FAA’s advisory further exacerbates the uncertainty for both airlines and travelers. The security notice, which was prompted by rising tensions in the region, reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing the aviation sector. Venezuela’s airspace, once a crucial hub for international flights in Latin America, has become increasingly risky due to the escalating political and military situation. The FAA’s warning has amplified concerns among airlines, many of which are now reassessing the viability of their routes into Venezuela.

The FAA’s advisory also pointed to increased military activity near Venezuela, including the presence of U.S. bombers and the deployment of naval assets in the Caribbean. This military buildup, part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, has heightened concerns among airlines about the safety of their aircraft and passengers operating in this environment. This U.S. military presence has been linked to a broader campaign aimed at curbing the influence of the Venezuelan government, including increased maritime interdictions targeting vessels suspected of trafficking illegal drugs. The impact of these operations has been felt beyond Venezuela, affecting neighboring countries and their air and sea traffic as well.

Regional leaders have voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation and the impact it could have on air connectivity in Latin America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, for example, emphasized the importance of maintaining open and safe air travel despite the growing tensions. Petro, along with other regional figures, has called for countries to avoid allowing political disputes to undermine vital transportation links.

These disruptions are expected to have a significant impact on travel demand in the region, especially during peak periods for regional mobility. Analysts have pointed out that Venezuela’s aviation sector has faced ongoing instability due to the country’s economic and political crises. The recent flight suspensions and the FAA’s security warnings only add to the challenges facing the industry, making recovery efforts even more difficult.

As airlines reassess their operations in light of the evolving political and military situation, future air connectivity in and out of Venezuela remains uncertain. The geopolitical tensions surrounding the country are unlikely to abate soon, which means that airlines will continue to face tough decisions about whether to resume or reduce services. This uncertainty will have lasting consequences for passengers, businesses, and the tourism sector in Venezuela, which has already been struggling due to the country’s broader economic crisis.

The presence of U.S. military forces in the region, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and other naval assets, marks one of the largest military assemblies in the Caribbean in decades. These operations, alongside the ongoing geopolitical pressure, are likely to continue shaping the region’s air travel dynamics for the foreseeable future.

Turkish Airlines has halted flights to Venezuela in response to heightened security alerts from the US and Colombia, citing increasing safety risks in the region.

The evolving security situation in Venezuela has already led to significant disruptions in air travel, with foreign carriers reevaluating their routes and increasing uncertainty for passengers. Airlines and aviation stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, but the combination of military tensions and political instability presents a complex challenge for the region’s aviation industry. As long as these factors persist, Venezuela’s airspace is likely to remain a difficult and unpredictable environment for both travelers and airlines.