Caracas Revokes Airline Licenses After Washington's Warning to Suspend Venezuela Flights

Venezuela has revoked operating licenses for six major airlines after they suspended flights following a US warning about military activity in the region. The move affects Spanish carrier Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Colombia's Avianca, LATAM, Brazil's GOL, and Turkish Airlines - cutting off key international routes to the South American nation.

The Venezuelan National Civil Aviation Institute announced the punitive measures on Instagram, saying these airlines would face consequences for "participating in actions promoted by the US government by unilaterally suspending their commercial air operations." The escalation stems from a November 21 advisory by the US Federal Aviation Administration urging civilian aircraft to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace due to "deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity in and around Venezuela."

Here's how the situation unfolded: After the US warning, multiple international carriers immediately suspended their Venezuelan routes. Venezuela's government responded by giving these airlines a 48-hour ultimatum on Monday to resume operations or lose their licenses. When the deadline passed Tuesday evening, none of the carriers had restored their flights.

The backdrop involves significant US military presence in the Caribbean. The USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, along with its fleet of warships and fighter jets, is currently deployed in the region. Washington officially describes this as part of anti-drug operations, but Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sees it differently.

Maduro has condemned the US naval deployment as a direct threat aimed at overthrowing his government and seizing Venezuela's oil reserves. This interpretation reflects the broader tensions between Caracas and Washington, which have persisted for years over disputed elections and economic sanctions.

For travelers and businesses, this creates immediate practical problems. Venezuela now has even fewer international flight connections, making it harder for people to enter or leave the country. The affected airlines serve major markets in Europe, Latin America, and beyond - routes that Venezuelan travelers and businesses rely on.

The airline industry finds itself caught between conflicting government pressures. Carriers must balance safety concerns raised by US aviation authorities against Venezuelan demands to maintain normal operations. Most international airlines prioritize safety advisories from major aviation regulators, even when it means losing lucrative routes.

This isn't just about flights. It signals how broader geopolitical tensions can quickly disrupt commercial aviation. When governments clash, airlines often become unwilling participants in diplomatic disputes, forced to choose between different regulatory demands and market access.