A cascade of flight cancellations has disrupted Venezuela’s air travel network as major international carriers respond to a Federal Aviation Administration warning about potentially dangerous conditions in the country’s primary aviation corridor.
The wave of suspensions began after the FAA issued an urgent advisory on November 21, alerting airlines to a “potentially hazardous situation” affecting flights over Venezuela’s Maiquetía region, home to the nation’s busiest international airport. The warning, which remains in effect for 90 days, has prompted swift action from carriers across multiple continents.
Seven airlines have now either suspended or significantly reduced their Venezuelan operations. TAP Air Portugal, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol, and Caribbean Airlines have implemented indefinite flight suspensions, according to Marisela de Loaiza, president of Venezuela’s Airlines Association, who spoke with The Associated Press on Saturday.
Turkish Airlines has taken a more measured approach, suspending its Venezuela routes from November 24 through November 28, suggesting the carrier may resume operations pending further safety assessments.
The disruptions center around Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, located in La Guaira State, which serves as Venezuela’s primary gateway for international travel. The facility has faced various operational challenges in recent years amid the country’s ongoing economic and political difficulties.
While the FAA has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the hazardous conditions prompting the advisory, such warnings typically relate to security concerns, airspace restrictions, or safety issues that could endanger civilian aircraft operations.
The 90-day timeframe for the advisory suggests authorities anticipate the situation may require extended monitoring before normal flight operations can safely resume. Airlines are likely conducting their own risk assessments to determine when they feel comfortable returning to Venezuelan airspace.
The flight suspensions represent another blow to Venezuela’s already strained transportation infrastructure and could significantly impact travel between the South American nation and key international destinations in Europe, North America, and other parts of Latin America.
Passengers with existing bookings on affected routes are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking options or refund information as the situation continues to develop.
