Airlines cancel all flights to country as US threats intensify | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Nov. 21 notice warning airlines of a “potentially hazardous” and “worsening security situation” in Venezuela.

This follows Reuters reports of looming U.S. action in the country. U.S. military jets and warships are also gathering by the country’s coast along the Caribbean Sea, according to BBC.

While the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) does not go so far as calling for the cancellation of flights over Venezuelan airspace, it urges any carrier flying into the South American country to “exercise caution” over “heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.”

As a result, several international airlines have proactively called off their flights to Venezuela. American carriers have not flown directly into the country since 2019 when the United States officially severed all diplomatic ties after President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner in a highly contested election in 2019.

“Safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed”

Avianca, the flag carrier of Colombia, canceled its flights between Bogotá and the Venezuelan capital of Caracas starting from Nov. 21. TAP Air Portugal, Spain’s Iberia, and Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aereas have all temporarily suspended their services to Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas.

“This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” a TAP Air Portugal spokesperson said to Reuters.

An Iberia spokesperson also issued a statement saying that it “will assess the situation to decide when to resume flights to that country.”

While no U.S. airline has flown directly into Venezuela since 2019, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have both stopped flying over its airspace in the last two months.

While known for Angel Falls, Venezuela has lacked diplomatic relations with the U.S. since 2019.

Image source&colon; Shutterstock

What’s happening with Venezuela under President Trump

All this comes at a time when the entire region around the Caribbean coast is on edge, as the Trump administration continues to ramp up pressure on the Maduro government and build up military presence in the waters around Venezuela.

While the president’s statements over the last few weeks have ranged from threatening attacks to expressing openness to a diplomatic solution, multiple members of the Trump administration have now suggested upcoming military action, CNN reports.

On Nov. 20, the U.S. military flew planes, including a F/A-18E fighter jet and a B-52 strategic bomber, in the latest display of force to the country’s leadership.

Multiple experts have now also speculated that the Trump administration plans to attempt to overthrow the Maduro government.

More on travel:

Given the lack of diplomatic relations, the U.S. State Department keeps Venezuela under a level four “do not travel” advisory and has in place a particularly alarmist travel warning telling any U.S. citizens currently in the country to “prepare a will” and “consider hiring a professional security organization.”

“The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Venezuela,” the travel advisory for the country reads. “Anyone with U.S. citizenship or any other U.S. residency status in Venezuela should leave the country immediately, including those traveling on Venezuelan or other foreign passports.”