Venezuela has revoked operating permits for six international carriers this week after they suspended services in response to a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety advisory. The move intensifies regional friction as Washington maintains heightened naval activity in Caribbean waters.
The FAA issued its alert on November 25, 2025, citing unspecified operational risks at Caracas' Simón Bolívar International Airport. Major airlines from Europe, North America, and Latin America halted flights within 48 hours, prompting Venezuelan authorities to permanently withdraw their landing rights.
This escalation follows months of strained U.S.-Venezuela relations, with Pentagon officials confirming the deployment of additional destroyers to the Eastern Caribbean earlier this month. Aviation analysts note the revoked permits primarily affect routes to U.S. alliance nations, potentially isolating Venezuela's air connectivity.
Stephen Gibbs, reporting from Caracas, observed: "The grounded flights leave thousands of travelers stranded during peak holiday season, while cargo operators scramble to reroute medical supplies through remaining regional partners."
