Venezuela has withdrawn the operating permits of six major international airlines after they halted flights to the country in response to a recent safety advisory issued by the United States. The suspended carriers include Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol, all of which paused services following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA had cautioned American and international operators about what it described as a potentially hazardous environment for aircraft flying over or into Venezuelan airspace. The advisory cited a worsening security situation, heightened military activity and instability in and around the country. The notification urged airlines to conduct detailed risk assessments before planning operations in the region.
In reaction, the Venezuelan government accused the airlines of acting under pressure from the United States. Officials in Caracas claimed that Washington was attempting to destabilise the country and alleged that the decision to suspend flights aligned with what it described as a larger campaign driven by terrorism and foreign interference. Authorities stated that the withdrawal of the airlines’ operating rights was a necessary response to what they termed an unfounded and politically motivated move.Venezuela’s civil aviation regulator said the suspension of permits would remain in place until the airlines reverse their decisions. Officials argued that the carriers’ flight cancellations had created confusion among passengers and contributed to what they called an effort to isolate the country.