……. carriers had temporarily paused flights to the country as tensions with the U.S. escalate.

By Zach Vasile

Venezuela’s government on Thursday banned six international airlines from operating in its airspace after the carriers temporarily paused flights to the country amid growing tensions with the U.S.

Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Brazil’s GOL, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, and Turkish Airlines had their landing and takeoff permissions revoked, effectively ending their access to Caracas and other major markets within Venezuela.

The country’s aviation authority accused the airlines of “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government,” according to a report from the BBC.

All six carriers suspended flights to Venezuela earlier this week after the FAA issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) warning about increased security risks in the area. Venezuela threatened to cancel their authorizations if they did not resume service within 48 hours, but none of the airlines complied.

Portugal’s foreign minister denounced Venezuela’s decision, calling it “totally disproportionate”.

He said Portuguese officials are working with Caracas to reinstate TAP’s operating rights, adding that the airline had no intention of permanently leaving Venezuela and only paused flights over safety concerns.

Since September, the Trump administration has been bombing alleged drug cartel boats operating off the coast of Venezuela and neighboring Colombia.

As part of the campaign, about 15,000 troops and the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, are now positioned in the southern Caribbean, within striking distance of Venezuela.

The White House maintains that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his top lieutenants are involved in drug trafficking. Some foreign policy experts believe the Trump administration is considering strikes within Venezuela to undermine support for Maduro and force him from power.

U.S. airlines have not flown nonstop to Venezuela since 2019.