Published on November 24, 2025
Delta has joined American Airlines, LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, Avianca, Iberia, and several other international carriers in suspending flights to and over Venezuela as the U.S. government issues a new 12 weeks and 6 days warning about rising risks in Venezuelan airspace. The warning, prompted by escalating political tensions, civil unrest, and security threats, highlights increased dangers for aviation, including military operations and interference with navigation signals. This development underscores the growing volatility in Venezuela, as the U.S. government urges caution for both airlines and travelers amidst the deteriorating situation.
The United States government has escalated its warnings regarding the safety of traveling to Venezuela, a country that has become increasingly volatile due to severe political instability, civil unrest, and growing security risks. The latest developments have raised significant concerns, not only for tourists heading to and from Venezuela but also for U.S. commercial airlines and the aviation industry at large. Delta Air Lines, along with several other major international carriers, has joined a growing list of airlines suspending operations to and over Venezuela in response to a dire new warning issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new advisory, issued for a period of 12 weeks and 6 days, reflects the deteriorating security environment in Venezuelan airspace, with U.S. officials urging airlines and their passengers to exercise extreme caution.

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In this article, we will explore the gravity of the situation, the reasons behind the FAA’s heightened warnings, the airlines that have been affected, and the broader geopolitical implications of these recent developments.

Rising Tensions and Heightened Security Threats

The U.S. government has long cautioned against travel to Venezuela, but recent developments have escalated the situation to unprecedented levels. In May 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela, warning that the country presents extreme dangers, including terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The advisory further urged U.S. citizens to leave Venezuela immediately due to the high risk of wrongful detention and the inability of the U.S. government to provide consular assistance there. This advisory, reissued in May 2025, continues to stand as a stark reminder of the grave risks faced by American citizens in the country.

However, the dangers in Venezuela extend beyond just those traveling on the ground. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently issued a new advisory with a 12-week and 6-day validity period, warning pilots of potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes when flying in or near Venezuelan airspace. This warning comes in the wake of rising military operations in and around Venezuela, as well as interference with navigation satellite signals that pose significant risks to aircraft safety.
The FAA’s warning highlights a number of key concerns, including the security situation within the country, growing military activity, and potential threats from terrorism. The advisory specifies that U.S. operators must provide 72 hours’ prior notice to the FAA before flying through Venezuelan airspace, and U.S. passenger and cargo flights to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019. The FAA’s warning remains effective until at least mid-February 2026, and U.S. airlines are strongly discouraged from flying over Venezuelan territory due to the unpredictable and volatile security environment.

The Growing Risk to Aviation

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The FAA’s warning was not issued in isolation; it reflects broader concerns over the safety of both commercial aviation and military operations in the region. The rise in political tensions and military activity in Venezuela has created a perilous environment for aircraft operating in the region. Since September 2025, the U.S. has carried out a series of military airstrikes and naval deployments targeting drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These strikes have heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, further escalating the risks for aircraft flying over or near Venezuelan territory.
The U.S. government has made it clear that it is intensifying its efforts to disrupt drug smuggling operations allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government. Since September 2025, the U.S. has carried out 21 strikes, destroying 22 vessels and killing 83 individuals involved in drug trafficking activities. These operations, which are part of a broader U.S. pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s government, have led to a marked increase in military activity in the region, contributing to the heightened caution issued by the FAA.
Additionally, the FAA’s warning highlights the growing risks associated with interference with navigation satellite signals (GNSS) in Venezuelan airspace. Such interference can disrupt the ability of aircraft to navigate accurately, which poses significant safety risks at all altitudes. As a result, pilots are being urged to exercise extreme caution when flying near or over Venezuela.

Airlines Affected by the FAA’s Warning

As the security situation continues to deteriorate, several major airlines have taken the prudent step of suspending operations to and over Venezuela. This includes both U.S. airlines and international carriers. The FAA’s warning has prompted airlines to reassess their routes and operations, with many opting to avoid Venezuelan airspace altogether.
Airlines that have suspended flights to or over Venezuela include:

• American Airlines: American Airlines ceased overflying Venezuelan airspace in October 2025 due to the rising security risks.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta had already stopped flying over Venezuela earlier, prior to the FAA’s recent warning.
• LATAM Airlines: The Latin American carrier has suspended its flights to Venezuela, citing security concerns in the region.
• Caribbean Airlines: This airline has also halted its operations to Venezuela, following the U.S. government’s warning.
• Avianca: The Colombian airline has ceased flights to Venezuela due to the deteriorating situation in the country.
• Iberia: Spain’s Iberia has suspended its services to Venezuela in light of the heightened risks.
• TAP Air Portugal: The Portuguese airline has stopped flying to Venezuela, aligning with other international carriers.
• GOL Linhas Aéreas: Brazil’s GOL has followed suit, ceasing its operations to Venezuela.
• Air Europa: Spain’s Air Europa has paused its services to Venezuela.
• Plus Ultra: Another Spanish airline, Plus Ultra, has suspended flights to Venezuela.
• Copa Airlines: While the Panamanian airline has avoided overflying Venezuela, it is still operating some flights to the country.

Notably, some airlines have opted to continue operating flights to Venezuela, though with caution. Copa Airlines from Panama, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER have continued to offer flights, although the latter has temporarily suspended some routes. These carriers are operating in the context of a volatile and unpredictable environment, with many others pulling back from the region due to safety concerns.

Geopolitical Implications of the FAA’s Warning

The FAA’s warning and the suspension of flights by numerous airlines reflect a broader geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government. The U.S. government has long condemned the Maduro regime, accusing it of corruption, human rights abuses, and links to drug trafficking. Washington does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, considering his presidency to be a product of fraudulent elections.
The U.S. government has ramped up its pressure on Maduro’s regime in recent years, employing a range of diplomatic, economic, and military tactics to undermine his authority. This includes imposing stringent sanctions, cutting off financial support, and carrying out military operations to disrupt Venezuela’s drug trafficking routes. The FAA’s warning is another facet of this broader U.S. pressure campaign, which aims to challenge the Venezuelan government and destabilize its operations.
As tensions between the two countries continue to mount, the aviation industry has become an unintended casualty of this geopolitical conflict. The suspension of flights by U.S. carriers and their international counterparts highlights the growing concerns about the safety and security of operations in Venezuelan airspace. Airlines, which prioritize passenger safety, are forced to navigate a delicate balance between operating profitable routes and mitigating the risks posed by an unstable environment.
Venezuela remains one of the most dangerous destinations for U.S. citizens and commercial aviation, as evidenced by the U.S. government’s travel advisory and the FAA’s latest warning. The situation in the country is dire, with increasing political instability, rising security threats, and significant risks to both travelers and aircraft.
While some airlines, such as Copa Airlines and Turkish Airlines, continue to operate in Venezuela, the majority of international carriers have suspended flights due to the escalating dangers. The new 12 weeks and 6 days warning issued by the FAA serves as a stark reminder of the severe security threats in Venezuelan airspace, from military operations to the interference with critical navigation systems.
As the U.S. government continues to exert pressure on the Maduro regime, the aviation industry is left to grapple with the complexities of operating in a region fraught with dangers. For travelers considering trips to Venezuela, the warnings are clear: the risks are high, and the consequences of ignoring these advisories could be severe.
Delta has joined American, LATAM, Caribbean Airlines, Avianca, Iberia, and others in suspending flights to Venezuela as the U.S. issues a new 12 weeks and 6 days warning due to escalating security risks, including military activity and airspace interference.
In light of these developments, it is highly advisable for U.S. citizens to heed the government’s warnings and reconsider any plans to visit Venezuela. For those already in the country, it is strongly recommended to follow the U.S. State Department’s guidance and take immediate steps to secure their safety. The political and security landscape in Venezuela remains fluid, and only time will tell if the situation improves or continues to worsen. For now, the best course of action for travelers and airlines alike is to proceed with extreme caution.

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Tags: aviation safety, international airlines, Travel News, Venezuela travel warning

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