Airlines weigh safety against political tensions. Credit: Adam Moreira / Creative Commons
A fresh alert from the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) over the risks of flying across Venezuelan skies has prompted Spain’s largest airline, Iberia, to extend the suspension of its Madrid–Caracas route until the end of the year.
The brief official communication sent to airlines advises that “until 31 December 2025, civil Spanish operators are strongly recommended not to operate any flights in the Maiquetía FIR [Venezuela and southern Caribbean] due to potential civil aviation risks from increased military activity, anti-aircraft weapons capable at all altitudes, and a lack of coordination between conflicting parties.” Iberia has been the first to act on this guidance, adhering to the new safety calendar.
The warning also affects Air Europa, Plus Ultra, and Venezuelan carriers operating flights for Spanish tour operators. Air Europa has announced cancellations “until December 12 inclusive. The situation is being continuously monitored, and any extension of cancellations will depend on developments, always prioritising the safety of passengers and crew.” Plus Ultra has grounded flights this week, with its spokesperson adding: “We continue to assess the situation in real time.”
Tensions rise in the southern Caribbean
The AESA’s message mirrors one issued last Monday, November 24, after tensions escalated in the southern Caribbean amid an unprecedented US military deployment since the Gulf War. The Trump administration’s campaign against drug trafficking and terrorist groups involves operations linked to Nicolás Maduro’s regime. AESA initially advised avoiding Venezuelan airspace until December 1; the new advisory extends that period to December 31.
Earlier, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already issued a high-risk warning for the Maiquetía Flight Information Region, covering all of Venezuela and a wide stretch of the southern Caribbean, recommending that airlines avoid the area until February 19.
Airlines weigh safety against political tensions
While Venezuela is responsible for officially closing its airspace—a measure it has not issued—foreign aviation authorities may issue safety recommendations, as both AESA and the FAA have done.
Iberia explained that the decision to extend the suspension of its daily Madrid–Caracas flights (except Fridays and Sundays) followed AESA’s guidance, which comes under Spain’s Ministry of Transport. Passengers affected by the suspension are offered options to reschedule their flights, choose nearby destinations, or request a full refund. The airline stressed its intention to resume Caracas operations once “full safety guarantees are restored.”
Revoked licences add complications
Resuming flights will require Iberia to regain the licence revoked last week by Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Institute (INAC), a move that also affected TAP, Turkish Airlines, Gol, Avianca, and Latam. Venezuelan authorities interpreted the suspension as a response to perceived alignment with US pressure.
Iberia currently allocates 126,000 seats per year to the Madrid–Caracas route, representing 1.68% of its long-haul operations. The overall business impact is therefore limited, though the situation is being monitored continuously.
Impact on wider Latin American operations
Beyond Venezuela, Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra have not yet had to adjust other Latin American operations. Key markets such as Colombia, Cuba, Panama, and the Dominican Republic could face complications if US military deployments expand or utilise nearby airports.
Tensions in the region intensified last weekend when the US president announced plans to “soon” stop drug trafficking from Venezuela “also by land” and suggested that Venezuelan airspace could be closed entirely, raising the prospect of a military operation.
Colombian authorities respond
Meanwhile, Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority has criticised the uncertainty caused by these statements. Its official statement confirmed that Venezuelan airspace remains “fully open and operational, without restrictions affecting civil navigation.” The statement rejected “pronouncements by a third state with no sovereign authority over Venezuelan airspace,” noting that such declarations “lack operational validity and create confusion in the civil aviation system.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro had expressed a similar view the previous day.
IATA emphasises safety first
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reiterated on Monday that safety “remains the top priority for aviation.” The organisation defended airlines’ right to independently assess risks, including the closure of airspace, to protect passengers and crew. IATA emphasised that this autonomy is “especially important when alerts or specific concerns have been raised,” and urged governments to respect airlines’ decisions.
While Nicolás Maduro claims the US seeks to isolate Venezuela, airlines are focused on ensuring no lives are put at risk, maintaining that safety considerations must prevail over political disputes.
