Travelers with plans to fly to or from Caracas this weekend are encountering new cancellations and mounting uncertainty. This follows the temporary suspension of operations in Venezuela by six international airlines due to a security advisory issued by the United States.
According to the EFE news agency, airlines such as Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Colombia's Avianca, Trinidad's Caribbean Airlines, Brazil's GOL, and Chile's LATAM halted their flights to and from Venezuela on Saturday.
This decision came in response to a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, which highlighted an "increase in military activity" and a worsening security situation in the Caribbean nation's airspace.
Marisela de Loaiza, the head of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV), confirmed to EFE that these six airlines chose to cancel their flights following the advisory. The warning particularly impacts the Maiquetía flight information region, a hub for international arrivals and departures.
Spanish newspaper El País reported that while the FAA hasn't banned flights over Venezuela, it has advised airlines to exercise "extreme caution" due to a "potential risk situation" linked to heightened military exercises in or near Venezuelan territory.
The advisory, in effect until February 19, also requires airlines to provide a 72-hour notice if they intend to enter Venezuelan airspace.
Regional tensions further complicate the situation. El País notes that the USS Gerald Ford, the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, recently joined the U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Lance. This campaign, presented by the U.S. as a counter-narcotics effort, has sparked political tensions and speculation about potential actions against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
The FAA also indicated that since September, there have been instances of interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in Venezuela, potentially jeopardizing flight route planning. Additionally, it cited "activity associated with increased military preparations," including maneuvers and troop movements.
Meanwhile, Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation has not released any official information regarding measures taken following the U.S. alert. ALAV has urged passengers with upcoming tickets to closely monitor airline communications and to exercise patience in light of possible changes.
Impact of Airline Suspensions on Venezuela
Why have airlines suspended flights to Venezuela?
Airlines have suspended flights due to a security warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration over increased military activity and deteriorating safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace.
How long will the flight suspensions last?
The advisory affecting flights is in place until February 19, but the duration of suspensions may vary based on ongoing assessments of the situation.
What measures should passengers take in response to these cancellations?
Passengers are advised to stay informed through airline communications and to remain patient as schedules and operations may change unexpectedly.