Turkish Joins Iberia, Avianca, LATAM, Caribbean, And Other Airlines In Halting Venezuela Flights After US Travel Advisory Over Increased Security Concerns

Published on November 25, 2025

Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Avianca, LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, and several other carriers have halted their flights to Venezuela following a US FAA advisory warning of heightened security risks in the region. This suspension is a direct response to the increasing instability and military activity near Venezuela, which has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in the country’s airspace. As tensions escalate, airlines are prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew, leading to widespread disruptions in air connectivity.

In late November 2025, an unprecedented wave of flight suspensions took place as multiple international carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Avianca, LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, and others, announced the temporary halting of their flights to Venezuela. This disruption followed a stark advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which warned of heightened security risks in Venezuelan airspace. The advisory, linked to the escalating political and military tensions in the region, has sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry, highlighting the complex intersection of travel, geopolitics, and security.

The US FAA’s warning, which cautioned pilots to exercise increased caution while operating in Venezuelan airspace, was a significant trigger for these widespread suspensions. The advisory warned of unspecified threats to aircraft at all altitudes, including takeoff, landing, and ground operations. While these threats remain unspecified, the FAA’s intervention underscores the growing concerns over the safety of travelers flying into and out of Venezuela.

Growing Aviation Disruption

The flight suspensions, particularly by major international carriers, are indicative of the rising tensions in the region and the deteriorating aviation environment in Venezuela. Turkish Airlines, for instance, announced that it would suspend its flights from Istanbul (IST) to Caracas (CCS) from November 24 to November 28, 2025. The airline reassured affected passengers by offering alternative routing options through hubs such as Bogotá (BOG), Panama City (PTY), Cancún (CUN), Mexico City (MEX), and Havana (HAV). This move by Turkish Airlines was one of the most high-profile actions, but it was quickly followed by similar decisions from other international carriers.

Other airlines that have ceased their operations to Venezuela include:

• Turkish Airlines – Suspended flights between Istanbul (IST) and Caracas (CCS) from November 24 to November 28, 2025.
• Iberia – Announced the suspension of flights to Venezuela until further notice.
• Avianca – Halted its Venezuelan operations in response to the FAA’s travel advisory.
• LATAM Airlines – Ceased flights to Venezuela as part of its precautionary measures due to the security warning.
• Caribbean Airlines – Also suspended flights to Venezuela following the FAA’s advisory.
• TAP Air Portugal – Temporarily suspended its Venezuelan operations due to the ongoing security concerns.
• Gol Linhas Aéreas – Reduced its presence in Venezuela, halting flights as security risks increased.

These carriers joined the growing list of foreign airlines suspending services to Venezuela, citing the increasing operational risks and the security threat highlighted by the US FAA advisory. The airlines made their decisions to protect their passengers and crews from potential harm, particularly with the ongoing instability in the country.

The FAA’s Security Advisory: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The FAA’s advisory marks a turning point for air travel to Venezuela. In a region already grappling with an economic crisis and political instability, the additional concern over aviation safety has amplified fears about the viability of continued international air connectivity. While the FAA’s specific threats remain unverified, the warning was a direct consequence of the heightened military activity near Venezuela, including frequent military drills, and simulated attack scenarios involving the US armed forces.

These operations, alongside the deployment of military assets such as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and several destroyers in the Caribbean, have been perceived as a significant demonstration of Washington’s resolve to apply pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The increased military presence has sparked fears of potential confrontations in the region, further complicating the situation for airlines operating in Venezuelan airspace.

Regional Impact and the Exodus of Airlines

As the FAA’s advisory gained traction, more international airlines followed suit and suspended their operations to Venezuela. TAP Air Portugal, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol Linhas Aéreas, and Caribbean Airlines all announced their temporary cessation of flights to Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) and other Venezuelan destinations. This marked a significant withdrawal of international air service from the country, which is expected to have long-lasting impacts on travel demand and regional connectivity.

The suspension of flights by these carriers is particularly concerning because many of them have historically played a crucial role in connecting Venezuela to key international destinations. LATAM and Avianca, for example, have been essential for travelers from Venezuela to reach destinations in Europe and Latin America. The suspensions not only limit travel options for Venezuelan nationals and international tourists but also threaten the fragile tourism industry, which has already been in decline due to the country’s broader economic and political challenges.

The Broader Geopolitical Context: US Pressure on Venezuela

The suspension of flights comes at a time when Venezuela is facing mounting international pressure, particularly from the United States. The US government, through its various agencies, has ramped up diplomatic and economic efforts to weaken President Maduro’s regime. The US military’s increased presence near Venezuela, alongside maritime interdiction operations targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking, has escalated tensions in the region.

Since September 2025, US efforts have resulted in more than 80 fatalities, mainly among suspected smugglers and criminal groups. These operations, designed to intercept illicit shipments, have further strained relations between Venezuela and the US, with the latter’s growing influence adding to Venezuela’s already volatile political and security environment.

Regional leaders, such as Colombian President Gustavo Petro, have expressed concerns over the impact of these growing tensions on air travel and regional stability. Petro has emphasized the need to maintain normal air connectivity in the region, recognizing that disruptions to flight routes could exacerbate the humanitarian challenges that many Latin American countries are already grappling with.

Venezuelan Aviation Sector: A History of Instability

Venezuela’s aviation sector has long faced instability, exacerbated by the country’s economic collapse, political turmoil, and hyperinflation. Many international carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and Lufthansa, have either scaled back their operations or ceased flights to Venezuela entirely in recent years. The security concerns highlighted by the FAA advisory only add to this longstanding trend of reduced international flight capacity.

For travelers, the suspension of flights further complicates an already difficult travel experience. With fewer carriers operating flights to Venezuela, travelers face limited options for outbound and inbound travel. The suspension also has significant implications for business travel and tourism, both of which rely heavily on air connectivity to maintain their operations and attract foreign visitors.

Airlines Respond to Geopolitical Pressures

As the geopolitical situation continues to evolve, airlines are reassessing the viability of their routes to Venezuela. While some carriers have suspended operations entirely, others are scaling back their presence, reducing the number of flights or rerouting through alternative hubs to mitigate risk. The decision to suspend or reduce services is not made lightly, as airlines must weigh the safety of their passengers and crew against the operational costs and potential revenue losses associated with halting flights.

For Turkish Airlines, Iberia, LATAM, and others, the decision to cease operations to Venezuela is seen as a prudent one, considering the escalating tensions in the region. However, the broader implications for the region’s aviation industry are still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how long the disruptions will last.

The Future of Travel to Venezuela

The future of air travel to Venezuela remains uncertain, as airlines and government agencies continue to monitor the evolving geopolitical landscape. The FAA’s advisory has underscored the risks of operating in Venezuela’s airspace, and it is likely that other airlines will follow suit in suspending or reducing their flights in the coming months.

For now, travelers heading to or from Venezuela can expect significant disruptions in their travel plans. Passengers affected by the flight suspensions are being rerouted through alternative hubs, but these changes come with their own set of challenges. The growing uncertainty surrounding travel to Venezuela also poses a threat to the country’s already fragile tourism industry, which has relied on international visitors for much-needed revenue.

The suspension of flights to Venezuela by major international carriers marks a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of the country’s aviation industry. With geopolitical tensions running high and security risks escalating, airlines are left with few options but to pull out of the market temporarily. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, travelers will need to be prepared for further disruptions and uncertainty. For airlines, the challenge will be navigating the fine line between operational feasibility and passenger safety, all while keeping an eye on the shifting political and military dynamics that continue to shape the region’s air travel landscape.

Turkish Airlines joins with Iberia, Avianca, LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, and others, has suspended its flights to Venezuela following the US FAA’s travel advisory over rising security risks in the region, aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and crews amid escalating instability.

As Venezuela faces an uncertain future, its aviation sector will continue to feel the effects of these international pressures, with far-reaching consequences for travelers, businesses, and the country’s economy. While the current situation is dire, it also presents an opportunity for international stakeholders to address these concerns collaboratively, ensuring that the safety of air travelers remains the top priority amidst growing regional instability.