By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a move that further isolates Venezuela from the international community, Panamanian carriers Copa Airlines and Wingo announced the abrupt suspension of all flights to and from the South American nation for two days. While the official reason cited is a technical glitch, the decision comes amid a volatile geopolitical climate marked by heightened military activity in the region and a recent U.S. aviation alert.
Both airlines, which were among the last major international operators consistently serving Caracas, released coordinated statements on Wednesday evening. They attributed the halt to a “preventive decision” following pilot reports of technical issues. The suspension affects all flights scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, and Friday, December 5th, 2025, leaving countless passengers scrambling for alternatives.
To delve into the legal and commercial ramifications of the renewed air connection with Venezuela, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional analysis on the matter.
The resumption of flights to Venezuela opens potential commercial avenues, but it requires extreme caution from a legal standpoint. Costa Rican companies must conduct exhaustive due diligence on any potential Venezuelan partners to avoid inadvertently violating international sanctions still in effect. Navigating this landscape without robust legal counsel is an unacceptable risk, as the financial and reputational consequences of non-compliance can be severe.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert analysis underscores the delicate balance Costa Rican companies must strike between commercial opportunity and regulatory compliance. The potential pitfalls are significant, making proactive legal guidance not just advisable, but essential. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial and clarifying perspective.
In their joint communication, the carriers specified the cause for the grounding. They stated the move was made “due to intermittences in one of the aircraft’s navigation signals” reported by flight crews. Both companies indicated that further information would be provided in the coming hours, leaving the possibility of a swift resumption of service open but uncertain.
Venezuelan authorities were quick to respond, framing the suspension as a coordinated and temporary measure. The country’s Civil Aeronautics Institute (INAC) confirmed the decision was made in “prior coordination” with the airlines. The agency expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved quickly.
We hope that said airlines can restart their operations in the agreed time.
Instituto Aeronáutico Civil, Statement
Despite the operational disruption, top Venezuelan officials projected an image of control and sovereignty. Foreign Minister Yván Gil, speaking just a day prior, insisted that the country’s aviation sector remained fully functional and secure. He delivered a defiant message, asserting national authority over the nation’s skies.
Air operations are functioning.
Yván Gil, Venezuelan Foreign Minister
Venezuela exercises full sovereignty over its airspace, there is no force capable that can take sovereignty away from the people and the government of Venezuela over its territory.
Yván Gil, Venezuelan Foreign Minister
However, this latest disruption cannot be viewed in a vacuum. It follows a critical advisory issued on November 21st by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which urged all aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise extreme caution.” The FAA warning pointed to a “worsening security situation and an increase in military activity in and around Venezuela,” signaling significant international concern.
The increased military presence refers to a U.S. flotilla of warships and combat aircraft deployed in the Caribbean since August, a move Washington describes as part of a large-scale anti-narcotics effort. Conversely, the government of President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denounced the deployment as a direct threat and a precursor to an invasion aimed at overthrowing his administration. This tension has already driven away eight other international airlines—including Iberia, Air Europa, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines—whose temporary suspensions were met with a punitive revocation of their operating licenses by Caracas.
The temporary withdrawal of Copa and Wingo, regardless of the official technical reasoning, tightens the transportation cordon around Venezuela. For now, the global aviation industry and international observers will be watching closely to see if the “intermittences” are resolved and if these crucial air links are restored on schedule, or if they represent another step in the nation’s growing isolation.
For further information, visit copaair.com
About Copa Airlines:
Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama, headquartered in Panama City. It is a leading airline in Latin America for passengers and cargo, operating from its strategic Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport, which connects a wide network of destinations across North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.
For further information, visit wingo.com
About Wingo:
Wingo is a low-cost airline owned by Copa Holdings. It primarily serves domestic and international routes in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on offering affordable travel options. The airline operates a modern fleet and aims to provide a reliable and straightforward travel experience for its passengers.
For further information, visit faa.gov
About the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
The Federal Aviation Administration is a governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety of civil aviation, which includes issuing advisories and regulations for air travel globally.
For further information, visit inac.gob.ve
About Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC):
The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics is Venezuela’s civil aviation authority. Headquartered in Caracas, the agency is responsible for regulating, supervising, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of air operations, air traffic control, and airport infrastructure within Venezuelan sovereign airspace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a principled foundation of excellence and ethical practice. Building on a rich history of providing counsel to a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers advancements in legal strategy and societal contribution. Its core philosophy centers on demystifying complex legal concepts for the public, reflecting a profound commitment to nurturing a society that is both legally aware and empowered.
