Venezuela has revoked the operational permits of six major international airlines, accusing them of aligning with what it calls “state terrorism” promoted by the United States. The move comes after the carriers suspended flights to Venezuela in response to a safety advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The country’s civil aviation authority announced the ban late Wednesday, targeting Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile and Brazil’s LATAM, Brazil’s Gol, and Turkish Airlines. According to officials in Caracas, the airlines “unilaterally suspended commercial operations” after the FAA warned US operators to avoid Venezuelan airspace over security concerns.
The authorities argue the suspensions were politically motivated and part of a broader US strategy to isolate the government. They insist the airlines must resume operations if they wish to regain access to the country’s airspace.
The decision intensifies already strained relations between Venezuela and the United States, adding fresh pressure on international carriers that have previously struggled with currency controls, security concerns, and diplomatic tensions in the region.
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