Several international airlines have ceased operations to Venezuela following an advisory issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning of escalating security concerns and significant military activity within the nation’s airspace. The FAA’s alert advised pilots to exercise heightened vigilance, pointing to unspecified risks that could endanger aircraft at all flight levels, including during takeoff, landing, and while stationary. As a result, TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol, and Caribbean Airlines have all suspended their flights to Venezuela indefinitely. Turkish Airlines also enacted a brief suspension from November 24th to 28th. This widespread flight cancellation signals a serious decline in perceived safety and operational viability for air travel to the South American nation. The U.S. has recently intensified its strategic presence near Venezuela, deploying naval assets like the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group and conducting military exercises, reflecting a broader policy of pressure on the Maduro government. The U.S. does not acknowledge President Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. This aviation shutdown has prompted strong reactions from regional leaders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly condemned the flight bans, arguing on X that “blocking countries means blocking people, and that is a crime against humanity,” advocating for essential, regular air connectivity for all Latin American nations and the world.
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