Venezuela Bans Airlines Accused Of ‘Terrorism’ After US Warning

Venezuela’s civil aviation authority announced on Wednesday that it has banned multiple international airlines it accused of “terrorism” after they suspended routes, citing the US Government’s warnings about military activity in the region.

The affected carriers include Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile and Brazil’s LATAM, Brazil’s GOL, and Turkish Airlines.

According to the authority’s Instagram post, their “operational permits will be revoked for joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations.”

The move came amid heightened tensions in the Caribbean following a US military deployment that Caracas views as a potential threat to President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration warned civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise caution” due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.”

Washington has sent an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy warships, and stealth aircraft to the region, citing efforts to curb drug trafficking. Venezuela, however, insists the deployments are aimed at regime change.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Transport had given the airlines a 48-hour deadline on Monday to resume flights. The deadline expired at noon on Wednesday, with all carriers maintaining the suspension.

According to the Venezuelan Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (AVAVIT), the flight stoppages have affected more than 8,000 passengers on at least 40 flights.