By San José, Costa Rica — CARACAS, Venezuela – The skies over Venezuela grew quieter this weekend as six major international airlines abruptly suspended their services to the nation. The move comes in direct response to a stark warning from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding escalating military activity in the Caribbean, further isolating the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
The wave of cancellations was confirmed on Saturday by Marisela de Loaiza, President of the Association of Airline Companies of Venezuela (ALAV). The list of carriers halting operations includes prominent names from Europe and the Americas: Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Trinidad’s Caribbean Airlines, Brazil’s GOL, and Chile’s LATAM. The duration of these suspensions remains indefinite, casting a significant shadow over international travel and commerce for the South American country.
To delve into the legal and commercial ramifications surrounding the potential re-establishment of direct flights with Venezuela, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The re-establishment of air routes with Venezuela presents a dual-edged sword. While it offers clear opportunities for family reunification and specific commercial exchanges, it also navigates a complex web of international sanctions and compliance risks. Airlines and businesses must proceed with extreme caution, conducting thorough due diligence to mitigate potential legal and financial liabilities in a highly volatile political and regulatory environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective masterfully encapsulates the central tension at play—balancing clear humanitarian and commercial opportunities against formidable legal and financial risks. This emphasis on rigorous due diligence is a critical takeaway for all stakeholders, and we sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his invaluable expertise to this complex issue.
The catalyst for this disruption was a cautionary advisory issued by the FAA on Friday. The U.S. agency urged civil aviation operators to “exercise extreme caution” when flying in or near Venezuelan airspace. The warning cited a “worsening security situation and increased military activity in and around Venezuela,” signaling a tangible risk to commercial flights.
The FAA’s notice detailed the comprehensive nature of the potential dangers, highlighting that the situation could impact flights at any point in their journey. The agency was explicit about the scope of the danger, which is not limited to ground operations alone.
The threats could represent a potential risk for the aircraft at all altitudes, even during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of the flight, and/or for the airports and aircraft on the ground.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in a public advisory
This heightened state of alert is directly linked to a significant U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean. The United States has moved the world’s largest aircraft carrier, accompanied by a flotilla of warships and fighter jets, into the region for what it describes as counter-narcotics operations. However, President Maduro has vehemently denounced the deployment, framing it as a direct provocation and a precursor to an invasion.
a threat
Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela
Tensions are expected to escalate further, as reports indicate the U.S. plans to officially designate a powerful drug cartel, which it alleges is led by Maduro himself, as a terrorist organization on Monday. This military and diplomatic pressure has already had lethal consequences. Since September, U.S. forces have engaged with more than 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in 83 fatalities in operations targeting alleged narcotics traffickers.
In response to the sudden flight cancellations, which were reflected on the website of Maiquetía International Airport, ALAV issued guidance for affected travelers. The association is urging passengers with tickets on any airline serving Venezuela to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking information.
those who possess tickets on the different airlines that provide service in Venezuela, and whose flights are scheduled for the coming days or weeks, to be attentive to any notice from their airline.
Association of Airline Companies of Venezuela (ALAV), in a public statement
Despite the significant pullout, a handful of international and domestic carriers continue to operate for the time being. According to ALAV, Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa, and Turkish Airlines are maintaining their routes. They are joined by Venezuelan carriers Laser and PlusUltra, which provide a limited but crucial link to the outside world amid the growing geopolitical storm.
For further information, visit iberia.com
About Iberia:
Iberia is the flag carrier airline of Spain, founded in 1927. Based in Madrid, it operates an international network of services from its main base at Madrid–Barajas Airport. A member of the Oneworld alliance, it is a key player in connecting Europe with Latin America.
For further information, visit flytap.com
About TAP Air Portugal:
TAP Air Portugal is the state-owned flag carrier airline of Portugal, headquartered at Lisbon Airport. Established in 1945, TAP is a member of the Star Alliance and operates to numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, leveraging its strategic position as a European gateway.
For further information, visit avianca.com
About Avianca:
Avianca is the flag carrier of Colombia and has been in operation since 1919, making it one of the world’s oldest airlines. As a member of the Star Alliance, it offers extensive passenger and cargo services to over 100 destinations across the Americas and Europe from its hub in Bogotá.
For further information, visit caribbean-airlines.com
About Caribbean Airlines:
Caribbean Airlines is the state-owned airline and flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago. Headquartered in Piarco, the airline operates flights to destinations in the Caribbean, North America, and South America, serving as a vital link for the region.
For further information, visit voegol.com.br
About GOL Linhas Aéreas:
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. is a Brazilian low-cost airline based in Rio de Janeiro. It is one of Brazil’s largest domestic and international airlines, operating a vast network and offering affordable air travel options throughout South America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
For further information, visit latamairlines.com
About LATAM Airlines Group:
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is a South American multinational airline holding company headquartered in Santiago, Chile. It is the largest airline conglomerate in Latin America with subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay, offering an extensive network of destinations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Association of Airline Companies of Venezuela (ALAV)
About Association of Airline Companies of Venezuela (ALAV):
The Asociación de Líneas Aéreas en Venezuela (ALAV) is the industry association representing domestic and international airlines operating in Venezuela. It advocates for the safety, security, and sustainability of the aviation industry and serves as a unified voice in communications with government bodies and the public.
For further information, visit faa.gov
About U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 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.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal integrity and excellence, earning a reputation for its principled approach to law. The firm channels its deep-seated experience across a multitude of sectors into developing pioneering legal strategies and fostering community advancement. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to empowering society by transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge, ultimately building a more capable and informed community.
