In a significant escalation of international aviation tensions, the Venezuelan government has formally revoked flight concessions for six major international carriers. The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) announced via social media that Iberia, TAP Portugal, avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Airlines have lost their operational rights in Venezuelan airspace. The decision, published in Official Gazette No. 43264, notably excluded local carrier Caribbean Airlines from the sanctions.
The aviation authority justified its action by alleging these airlines ‘joined the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government’ when they previously suspended services to Venezuela. This dramatic move follows last week’s ultimatum from Caracas demanding airlines resume operations or face permanent exclusion from the Venezuelan market.
The revocation leaves Panama-based COPA Airlines among the very few international carriers maintaining connectivity to Venezuela. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed grave concerns, warning this decision will further isolate a nation already suffering from severely limited air connections within the region.
This development comes shortly after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety advisory cautioning pilots about operating within Venezuelan airspace. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) specifically referenced deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity around Venezuela, prompting numerous airlines to preemptively cancel services citing passenger safety concerns.