The 48-hour period given by Venezuela’s government to airlines to resume operations in the country ended Wednesday without authorities confirming their decision to revoke operating permits or announcing any other type of sanction.
The air traffic situation in Venezuela remains in suspense. The threat from the Venezuelan National Institute of Civil Aeronautics came after the cancellation of dozens of flights – to and from Venezuela – of companies such as Iberia, Air Europa, Latam, Avianca, TAP, Plus Ultra or Turkish Airlines motivated by the alert issued by the United States Air Force due to the increase in military operations in Venezuelan airspace.
Isolated internationally by this decision, Nicolás Maduro’s leadership warned airlines on Tuesday that they had until noon local time (5pm, in mainland Spain) on Wednesday to resume operations, otherwise their flight permits would be revoked. But once the ultimatum expired, no sanctions were announced. Nor will there be any resumption of operations on those lines, which are expected to remain suspended until December 1.
In a meeting with Venezuelan authorities on Monday, airline representatives outlined their plans to reschedule suspended flights amid rising military tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The warning from the United States, which sets a precautionary period until February, has been joined by the recommendations of other countries. Spain’s state-run Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) advised companies not to operate in Venezuelan airspace until at least December 1, and is maintaining that recommendation for now. If Spain does not extend this warning, airlines may start rescheduling their flights.
At least 36 weekly flights operate between Madrid and Caracas with an average of 300 passengers each, which complicates the reorganization of the offer at the beginning of the high season.
The Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, assured that all Spanish companies will have the support of the Government. The Farnesina also reiterated the Government’s recommendation not to travel to Venezuela unless strictly necessary, in force since the political crisis following the 2024 elections and now strengthened by the uncertainty generated by the temporary suspension of flights.
The suspension of flights has a major impact on the region. Gol, which operates a regular route between Caracas and Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos airport, said it would keep canceling its flights until at least Friday. Other companies, such as Copa, with connections from Panama and Bogotá, continue to operate, as do domestic airlines. Those working in association with Spanish companies, such as Laser, have adhered to the measure recommended by EASA.
For their part, Colombian authorities reported that at least 1,500 passengers on routes to Venezuela were affected by the suspensions that began last weekend. Given the diversion of air routes from Europe and South America that usually flew over Venezuela, Colombia’s Civil Air Force strengthened surveillance and communication systems.
