Air Europa It has decided to cancel its operations with Venezuela yet US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Issuing a warning to airlines “Extreme caution” When flying over Venezuelan territory, in a context marked by the increasing military presence of the United States in the Caribbean region.
The company stated that The suspension of its flights will remain in place until appropriate conditions are available again. And safe for work, so you get along with others Seven airlines Which has already taken similar measures in recent days.
Tension in the Caribbean: Airlines cancel flights to Venezuela
He was among the last to join the strike excellent and LaserBoth are of Venezuelan origin. Estelar attributed the temporary interruption of services between Caracas and Madrid during those days November 24, 26 and 28 For operational problems associated with its Spanish supplier Iperojet. For her part, Laser It announced the rescheduling of its flights between the two cities from Monday to Thursday, in reference to the same reason.
During the weekend, Iberia, handle (Portugal), goal (Brazil) and Avianca (Colombia) They also announced the cancellation of their trips to Venezuela. LATAM Airlines Confirm it He said he would do the same with his flights between Bogota and Caracas scheduled for Sunday and Monday, under the pretext that its priority is the safety of passengers and crews.
Another airline that took into account the US alert was turkish airlines, One of the ten largest companies in the world and that It canceled its scheduled flights to Caracas between November 24 and 28.
An FAA alert has previously been issued “Deteriorating security situation” And for him “Increasing military activity in and around Venezuela”Factors that increase risks to commercial and private aviation and cargo aircraft crossing the region.
This scenario is part of a sharp escalation in tension between Washington and Caracas. Hostilities increased after the recent American attacks against it Narcolanchas In the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Verbs are part of “Southern Spear”This is an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump to intensify the military presence in the region. Among the most important moves is the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Fordthe largest in the North American fleet.
Spain advised its airlines not to fly to Venezuela
The Spanish authorities issued a recommendation not to do so Carrying out civil flights in the atmosphere Venezuela Even at least December 1, 2025because of Increased military activity in the regionThis is a factor that increases operational risk.
This step comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions, the International Air Transport Association wonders The United States is accused of provoking “chaos” with unclear warnings about Venezuela.
Notice is based on existence Anti-aircraft defense systems with the ability to operate at multiple altitudesWhich, coupled with the lack of sufficient coordination between the actors involved in the conflict, makes emergency management difficult.
the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) He explained that “He added, “These devices pose a potential threat to air flights at all stages, from flight to landing, including ground operations.”
In Spain, the recommendation affects Iberia, Air Europa, Plus Ultra and EpijetSo companies will have to adjust their programs while the warning remains in effect.
Although the AESA’s message is strong, the decision contemplates an emergency exception: sIf the situation requires, pilots may enter the temporarily restricted area to protect aviation safety. In this way, this action is not considered an absolute denunciation.
The new notice comes after the previous warning issued by the United States, which sparked strong criticism from airlines. According to a statement issued today, International Air Transport Association question “Lack of clarity and specific directionHe further stated that such inadequate communication “generated increasing concern in the aviation community, particularly regarding potential safety risks.”
Tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela
Tensions between Washington and Caracas escalated again this week after a government announced Donald Trump It will make the call listing official Cartel de los Soles is on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (OTE).
The Trump government is offering a reward for the capture of Nicolas Maduro
The designation, which took effect Monday, allows for broader financial, legal and operational measures against the structure that the United States links to Chavismo.
In the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Washington attributed this The group’s leadership goes directly to President Nicolas Maduro And senior Venezuelan officials, whom he accuses of “corrupting” the performance of the army, intelligence agencies, and the legislative and judicial authorities.
For the Trump administration, this network is part of a transnational criminal network linked to the Aragua Train and the Sinaloa Cartel, two organizations responsible for violence and drug trafficking in the region.
The new legal status does not automatically permit military action, but it does open the door to it More aggressive operations Against the assets, infrastructure and financial departments associated with the system.
US officials indicated that this year The reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest has been doubled to $50 million.
Nicolas Maduro replied
The Venezuelan government’s response was immediate. Through Foreign Minister Ivan Gale, Caracas called the classification a “ridiculous hoax.” It aims – as he said – to justify foreign intervention for geopolitical and economic purposes. Gil insisted that the Sun Cartel “does not exist” and accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of promoting a regime change plan to take control of the country’s oil reserves.
while And intensifying diplomatic crossingsThis measure was developed in the context of increased US military activity in the Caribbean. The deployment has had a strong impact on commercial aviation: at least six airlines – GOL, Avianca, LATAM, Iberia, TAP and Caribe – have suspended flights to Venezuela after warnings from Washington about “increased military activity.” The Federal Aviation Administration described the scenario as “potentially dangerous.”
presence Destroyer USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago and Marine Expeditionary Unit 22’s maneuvers fuel Caracas suspicionsDespite the fact that the Port of Spain government denied the possibility of using its territory for offensive operations. Analysts warn that although this classification does not allow for direct attacks, it could expand the scope of operations against drug boats – responsible for 21 recent sinkings – or against secret runways and smuggling areas into Venezuelan territory.
In parallel, the discussion also moved to the narrative level. The NGO Insight Crime warned that considering Maduro as the head of the Sun Cartel constitutes an “oversimplification” and that the phenomenon is similar to the “Sun Cartel.” A system of corruption where the military and politicians benefit from agreements with drug traffickers.
Even with the hostile tone of both sides, Maduro confirmed last week that he remains willing to speak directly with US authorities to seek a diplomatic solution. But Washington’s decision deepens the bilateral clash and puts the Caribbean region at the highest level of tension in years.