The government of Venezuela has revoked the operating permits of six major international airlines — Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, LATAM Airlines Colombia, Turkish Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas — in a sweeping move that has shaken global travel and tourism.
Authorities took the step after these carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela following a safety alert issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which warned of increased military activity and potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace. Caracas had given them a 48-hour ultimatum to resume service — a demand they did not meet.
The dramatic revocations mark one of the steepest reductions in air connectivity Venezuela has seen in years. Officials accused the carriers of “joining actions of state terrorism” by halting flights, a charge sharply criticized by airline associations and foreign governments as disproportionate.
For travelers and the regional aviation sector, the decision spells chaos — with limited replacement carriers and severely disrupted routes. Industry voices including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have urged Venezuelan authorities to reconsider the move in order to protect civil aviation safety and restore connectivity.
