Airlines Cancel Caracas Flights After U.S. Safety Alert as Washington Readies Terror Listing Tied to Maduro

Overview

• The FAA warned of a potentially dangerous situation over Venezuela, citing deteriorating security, increased military activity and rising GNSS interference that could threaten civil aircraft at multiple altitudes.
• Avianca, TAP, Gol and Latam halted routes, Iberia said it will suspend service, and Turkish Airlines announced cancellations for Nov. 24–28, while carriers such as Wingo and some Venezuelan airlines continued operating.
• The U.S. is preparing to designate the alleged Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, a step officials say would broaden legal and operational options for actions tied to Venezuela.
• Reuters reported that Washington is weighing options that include covert operations and, according to U.S. officials, a possible attempt to remove Nicolás Maduro, as a large U.S. force including the USS Gerald R. Ford remains deployed and maritime strikes since September have killed more than 80 people.
• President Donald Trump said he expects to speak with Maduro in the near future, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced concern about the U.S. buildup and said he intends to raise the issue with Trump.