THY Suspends Caracas Flights After U.S. Warning on Venezuela

Turkish Airlines (THY) has suspended its flights to Caracas between 24 and 29 November following a U.S. aviation alert warning of potentially dangerous conditions in Venezuelan airspace. The announcement came after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised major airlines to exercise heightened caution when flying over the region due to escalating security concerns and increasing military activity.

The FAA’s recent notice described the environment as “potentially hazardous,” urging carriers to avoid unnecessary exposure to risk. The ripple effect from the advisory quickly reached global airlines, prompting a wave of suspensions across international routes to Venezuela.

THY Instructs Agencies to Redirect Passengers

Turkish Airlines notified its travel agency partners that passengers affected by the cancellations would need to be rebooked on alternative routes. Recommended options include flights via Bogotá, Panama City, Cancún, Mexico City, or Havana, ensuring continued connectivity for travelers heading toward Latin America.

The airline emphasized that operational decisions were taken for safety reasons, in line with international aviation alerts and industry best practices. Amid the volatile conditions, THY joined a growing list of carriers reassessing the viability of Venezuelan routes.

Multiple Airlines Suspend Venezuelan Operations Indefinitely

In a statement to the Associated Press (AP), the Venezuelan Airlines Association confirmed that several major international carriers have suspended flights to the country indefinitely. These airlines include:

• TAP Air Portugal

• LATAM Airlines

• Avianca

• Iberia

• Gol Airlines

• Caribbean Airlines

The widespread suspensions highlight the severity of the safety concerns and underscore international operators’ reluctance to expose aircraft and passengers to potential risk amid rising tensions.

Regional Leaders React to Flight Restrictions

The decision to reduce or halt flights to Venezuela has sparked political responses from neighboring countries. Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly criticized a social media post, arguing that halting flights into the nation effectively restricts mobility for its citizens. He emphasized that “blocking countries means blocking people,” calling such restrictions incompatible with humanitarian principles.

Petro’s statement reflects growing regional discomfort with the implications of aviation limits, especially at a time when regional connections serve as economic and social lifelines.

FAA Cites Deteriorating Security Environment

The FAA’s advisory, published on 21 November, pointed directly to worsening security conditions in Venezuela, including increased military activity and operational risks to civilian aircraft. U.S. aviation authorities have issued similar warnings in the past, but the latest alert marks an escalation in caution.

Adding to the tension, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently updated its travel advisory, restricting travel to several Venezuelan border states—Zulia, Tachira, Apure, and Sucre—due to political disputes and deteriorating security indicators.

Growing Military Presence in the Caribbean Raises Concerns

The broader regional situation has been complicated by increasing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. Under a previously issued executive order, the United States expanded its use of military resources in Latin America to counter drug trafficking networks.
In late August, the U.S. deployed a mix of submarines and warships off the coast of Venezuela. Former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that U.S. forces were prepared for a range of actions, including operations that could facilitate “regime change.” However, no such operations have been officially authorized.

Venezuela’s government responded by mobilizing 4.5 million militia members, claiming readiness to repel any potential threat. President Nicolás Maduro framed the mobilization as a defensive necessity in light of escalating U.S. activity.

Maritime Incidents Add Fuel to the Fire

The U.S. continues to target vessels near Venezuela on allegations of drug trafficking, a policy that has triggered criticism from both Venezuelan officials and portions of the international community. Critics argue that such actions may violate international law, sparking debate about proportionality, sovereignty, and maritime jurisdiction.

In a symbolic show of force, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, along with its strike group, has reportedly reached the Latin American region. The presence of such an advanced naval asset underscores the extent of U.S. engagement in the area and has intensified regional geopolitical anxieties.

Air Travel Disruptions Likely to Continue

With major carriers suspending operations and geopolitical tensions escalating, significant uncertainty remains regarding flight activity in and out of Venezuela.

Airlines are expected to continue monitoring FAA guidance, military developments, and regional stability before reinstating regular service. For now, passengers traveling to or through Latin America may face extended rerouting and schedule adjustments.