S even airlines have so far announced the cancellation of flights to Venezuela, including the Portuguese carrier TAP. What is motivating these decisions? Regional instability.
On Sunday, Turkish Airlines canceled its scheduled flights to Venezuela from Monday through Friday, joining six other airlines: TAP (Portugal), Gol (Brazil), Avianca (Colombia), Latam (Chile), and Caribbean Airlines (Trinidad and Tobago-Jamaica).
What is at stake? What is the danger?
Turkish Airlines’ decision followed a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to “exercise extreme caution” when flying over Venezuelan territory and the southern Caribbean due to “a potentially dangerous situation in the region.”
The cancellation of flights coincides with Washington’s deployment of military troops to the Caribbean Sea, which U.S. President Donald Trump claims is to combat drug trafficking. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government views it as a “threat of invasion” and an attempt to promote “regime change” in Venezuela.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice on Saturday advising commercial flight operators to “exercise extreme caution” when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean, due to what it considers “a potentially dangerous situation in the region.”
“Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetía flight information region [corresponding to the Venezuelan-controlled airspace, which also includes part of the southern and eastern Caribbean] at all altitudes, due to worsening security conditions and increased military activity in and around Venezuela,” the FAA’s statement noted.
Since August, Washington has maintained a significant military presence in the area, notably with half a dozen warships, officially to combat drug trafficking destined for the United States.
TAP’s explanation
TAP had already canceled flights TP170 on Saturday and the following Tuesday to Venezuela, following information from U.S. aviation authorities about the security situation in the country’s airspace, the company indicated.
TAP canceled flights TP170 today and the following Tuesday to Venezuela, in response to information from U.S. aviation authorities on the airspace security situation, the company stated.
Lusa | 21:26 – 22/11/2025
In a statement sent to Lusa, TAP explained that the decision “results from information issued by U.S. aviation authorities, indicating that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace, particularly in the Maiquetía flight information zone, are not assured.”
The company added that “all passengers have been informed of the cancellation and that they can request a refund if they wish,” apologizing for “the inconvenience caused” by a decision that “aims to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.”
Christmas concerns
The suspension of TAP and other airlines’ flights to Venezuela has surprised several passengers, some of whom expressed to Lusa their concern over potential disruptions during the Christmas season.
“It all seems to stem from security issues due to U.S. military operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. We hope this situation evolves quickly as we are only a month away from Christmas and fear disruptions,” a passenger explained to Lusa.
Juan Gonçalves, who had a trip scheduled for December 18, mentioned having two acquaintances whose trips to Lisbon were canceled and are awaiting TAP’s next steps. “Although understandable and justifiable, a cancellation causes discomfort and we are already close to Christmas,” he stressed.
Lusa reached out by phone to two people whose flights were canceled, who declined to comment, insisting on being accommodated on the next flights. “I bought the ticket more than six months ago, now all I want is to travel and see my family,” one affected individual emphasized.
Several travel agents, who requested anonymity, explained that people understand the “seriousness of the situation,” particularly “the need to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers.”
