Venezuela Bans Flights Amid Rising US Military Tensions

Venezuela’s civil aviation authority announced on Wednesday that several international airlines, including Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines, have been banned from landing or taking off in the country, effective immediately.

The authority accused these airlines of “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government” and of unilaterally suspending flights to Venezuela.

The move comes amid a significant buildup of US military forces near Venezuelan waters. The US has deployed 15,000 troops and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, the largest US carrier, in the region. While the US says the deployment is aimed at combating drug trafficking, it has conducted at least 21 strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs—killing over 80 people—without providing clear evidence.

Venezuelan authorities see the US presence as an attempt to remove President Nicolás Maduro, whose re-election last year was widely criticized as fraudulent by the opposition and several foreign governments.

Earlier, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to airlines operating at Caracas’ Maiquetía International Airport, advising them to exercise caution due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity. The airlines subsequently suspended their flights, prompting Venezuela’s ban.