If you had plans to fly to Caracas, Venezuela, you might need to reconsider. Major airlines like Iberia, Avianca, TAP, and Gol have suddenly canceled their flights to the Venezuelan capital. But what’s causing this disruption in the skies?
The reason stems from an urgent warning issued by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). They sent out a “Notam” – a crucial message for pilots and airlines – alerting them to a “potentially dangerous situation” in the Maiquetía region of Venezuela. This isn’t a temporary blip; the alert is set to remain active until February 2026! Airlines are now required to give 72 hours’ notice before entering Venezuelan airspace, as the FAA warns of potential risks to aircraft at *all* altitudes, including during takeoff and landing.
Colombia’s aviation authority has also chimed in, advising airlines flying near Venezuela to take precautions and report any unusual incidents.
This aviation alert isn’t happening in isolation. It coincides with a significant increase in US military presence in the Caribbean. Under “Operation Southern Lance,” led by the US Southern Command, military forces are actively targeting drug traffickers and increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government. The past couple of months have seen a noticeable surge in activity, including warships and even an aircraft carrier deployed to the region.
While some US media outlets have speculated about potential military strikes in Venezuela, former President Donald Trump has publicly denied such intentions. For now, the skies over Venezuela remain a zone of heightened caution, impacting both air travel and regional geopolitical stability.
