The list of airlines opting to temporarily halt their flights to Venezuela is expanding, following a warning from the United States urging airlines to exercise heightened caution when flying over the country due to increasing military tensions in the Caribbean.
According to EFE on X, Venezuelan airline Estelar announced the suspension of its Caracas–Madrid flights from November 24 to 28, citing "operational reasons from its airline provider Iberojet." This adds to a wave of cancellations that have quickly disrupted the country's air connectivity.
European Airlines Join the Wave of Cancellations
As reported by El País, Spanish airlines Air Europa and Plus Ultra have also canceled their flights between Madrid and Caracas, joining Iberia, which suspended its flights after the U.S. Civil Aviation Authority's warning.
Additional suspensions were announced by TAP Air Portugal, Gol Airlines (Brazil), and Avianca (Colombia), as per CNN en Español.
On Sunday, Latin America's largest airline, Latam Airlines, confirmed the cancellation of its Bogotá–Caracas flights on November 23 and 24. "The safety of our passengers and crews is our top priority," stated the airline, which will continue to monitor the situation for future decisions.
Major Airlines Halt Operations
This trend has not stopped there. Marisela de Loaiza, President of the Airline Association of Venezuela (ALAV), confirmed that Turkish Airlines, one of the world's top ten airlines, also canceled its flights to Caracas between November 24 and 28.
In September, Caribbean Airlines had already temporarily suspended its services between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
Some Airlines Persist Despite Challenges
Amid the disruptions, some airlines continue to operate, albeit with some interruptions. These include Rutaca (flights to Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago), Venezolana de Aviación (flight to Panama), Laser Airlines (routes to Spain and Curacao), Estelar (domestic and international routes, except Madrid), Avior (domestic and international flights), and Wingo (Colombia).
Both Laser and Estelar clarified that the cancellations to Madrid are solely due to their alliance with Iberojet, with all other routes remaining active.
Heightened Tensions: Military Deployment and Sanctions
The aviation crisis unfolds amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The Trump administration has deployed over a dozen warships and 15,000 troops in the Caribbean as part of "Operation Southern Spear," which the Pentagon claims targets drug trafficking networks.
Since September, the U.S. claims to have destroyed 22 vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, though it has not provided evidence, and 83 people reportedly died in these attacks, according to official reports.
The situation intensified further on Monday with the enforcement of the designation of the Soles Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, allowing Washington to impose harsher sanctions on the assets and infrastructure of Nicolás Maduro's government.
The United States asserts that Maduro and several top officials are part of this criminal network, a claim the Venezuelan leader denies. The regime contends that the Soles Cartel is a political invention designed to justify aggression against Venezuela.
Venezuela Facing Greater Isolation
The simultaneous suspension of flights by airlines from Europe and Latin America deepens Venezuela's international isolation, creating uncertainty among travelers, families, and businesses.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the country's air connectivity diminishes, marking a new chapter in the Venezuelan crisis, now significantly impacting mobility and commercial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Flight Cancellations to Venezuela
Why are airlines canceling flights to Venezuela?
Airlines are canceling flights to Venezuela due to increased military tensions in the Caribbean and a warning from the United States advising caution when flying over the country.
Which airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela?
Airlines such as Estelar, Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Gol Airlines, Avianca, Latam Airlines, and Turkish Airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela.
Are there any airlines still operating flights to Venezuela?
Yes, some airlines like Rutaca, Venezolana de Aviación, Laser Airlines, Estelar, Avior, and Wingo continue to operate flights to and from Venezuela, although with some interruptions.