Venezuela Threatens Iberia, Air Europa, and More with Loss of Traffic Rights Over Flight Suspensions: What You Need to Know

Published on November 26, 2025

Venezuela is escalating pressure on international airlines that suspended flights to the country due to security concerns raised by the United States, warning major carriers including Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra that they may lose their precious traffic rights, the authorized slots for takeoffs and landings at Venezuelan airports, if commercial services are not promptly resumed. The National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) has set a strict forty-eight-hour deadline for these carriers to reinstate canceled flights or face sanctions.

Airlines Suspend Operations Amid Safety Warnings

Flight suspensions across Venezuelan routes have rapidly multiplied after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety advisory on November 21, citing “a potentially hazardous situation” in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR). This advisory pointed to increased military activity, GPS interference, and advanced air-defense systems in Venezuelan airspace, creating unpredictable risks for civilian aircraft at all altitudes including take-off, landing, and overflight.

As a consequence, prominent airlines such as Spain’s Iberia and Air Europa, Chile’s Latam, Brazil’s Gol, Portugal’s TAP, and Turkey’s Turkish Airlines have halted flights to Venezuela. Caribbean Airlines from Trinidad and Tobago had ceased operations earlier in September. While Venezuelan state-owned Conviasa and Panama’s Copa Airlines continue limited operations to Maiquetía Airport in Caracas, the suspended flights have drastically reduced Venezuela’s international air connectivity.

Risks to Venezuela’s Tourism Connectivity

The suspension of so many international flights has been met with concern from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the majority of global airlines. IATA cautioned against punitive actions like revoking traffic rights, warning that doing so would further isolate Venezuela, already among the least connected aviation markets in Latin America. The organization advocates for collaborative dialogue to clarify safety guidelines and facilitate the safe resumption of operations.

Venezuela’s travel and tourism sector faces a dire challenge as these suspensions disrupt inbound and outbound tourism flows, reducing opportunities for foreign visitors and complicating business travel. The region’s fragile connectivity risks curtailing economic recovery and deepening isolation at a time when international tourism could support broader development goals.

Airlines’ Current Flight Cancellations

Iberia suspended its Madrid–Caracas route starting November 23, ceasing flights at least until December 1 pending safer conditions. Air Europa followed with cancellations of Tuesday departures from Madrid and Caracas, with no clear resumption timeline. Plus Ultra has also suspended Caracas flights and is reviewing future schedules. Other airlines such as Gol, Latam, and TAP have canceled flights over multiple dates in line with FAA recommendations, citing both security risks and insurance constraints.

Spanish air traffic provider Enaire also issued alerts highlighting the operational hazards of flying through Venezuelan airspace, increasing pressure on airlines to re-plan routes or ground services temporarily.

Factors Behind the Heightened Tensions

The increased US military presence in the Caribbean, aimed at combating drug trafficking and terrorism under the Trump administration’s directives, is a critical backdrop to the escalating situation. This buildup around Venezuela’s maritime and airspace zones has aggravated geopolitical tensions, triggering the FAA’s formal safety restrictions and prompting airlines to act prudently.

Venezuelan authorities have publicly objected to this military escalation, alleging encroachment on national sovereignty and emphasizing the risks of such activity to civil aviation safety. These developments have created a complex environment for commercial air operations, with GPS signal disruption and expanded anti-aircraft defenses cited as acute concerns for flight safety.

The Path Forward and Industry Stance

Despite the volatility, airlines remain committed to restoring scheduled flights as soon as it is safe and feasible. IATA highlights that all cancellations are temporary and precautionary, adhering to international aviation safety standards under the Chicago Convention. The association continues advocating for coordinated safety protocols between Venezuelan, US, and international aviation authorities to minimize disruption and clarify flight operations.

Enforcement of INAC’s threats to withdraw traffic rights risks exacerbating disconnection, with negative spillover effects on the tourism industry and economic activity tied to air travel. Sustained dialogue and cooperation are seen as critical to rebuilding confidence and reopening Venezuela’s airspace to global commerce and tourism efficiently and safely.

Impact on Venezuela’s Tourism Industry

The suspension of international flights has immediate ramifications for Venezuela’s tourism sector, restricting access to the country amid a period where visitor arrivals are pivotal for economic resilience. Reduced air connectivity affects hotel stays, cultural attractions, regional tours, and general tourism spending. It also diminishes business travel flows, hampering international conferences, trade, and diplomatic events.

Recovery in international aviation links is therefore essential in revitalizing Venezuela’s global tourism competitiveness. Restoring flights under secure and stable conditions will enable the country to reopen its doors to travelers and rebuild its standing as a destination rich in natural beauty, heritage, and cultural diversity.

Monitoring and Communication

Travelers planning trips to Venezuela are advised to stay informed through official government, airline, and aviation authority sources. Continuous updates on flight schedules, airspace safety notifications, and diplomatic developments will be vital for anticipating changes in travel plans.

The evolving situation underscores the fragility of aviation linkages impacted by geopolitical factors and the importance of resilience and collaboration between national and international stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable air transport serving both tourism and economic recovery objectives.

For the latest Venezuela aviation guidance and flight information, official sources including INAC, FAA, and major international airlines are recommended to help travelers navigate uncertainties during this challenging period.

Venezuela’s effort to balance sovereign security concerns with maintaining vital tourism and aviation connectivity continues to unfold, shaping the future trajectory of international travel to and from this important South American nation.​

Image Credit: Air Europa Líneas Aéreas S.A.U.