Airlines Suspend Caracas Flights After U.S. Warns Of Venezuela Airspace Risks

Overview

• Gol, Avianca and TAP cancel departures from Caracas and Iberia says it will suspend service, after an FAA notice citing a potentially dangerous situation and risks to aircraft at all altitudes including arrivals, departures and on the ground.
• The U.S. has concentrated major forces near Venezuela, including the carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, at least seven additional warships, a nuclear submarine and F‑35 jets, as part of an expanded counter‑narcotics posture.
• The administration plans to label the Cartel de los Soles a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a step Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says provides a range of new legal and operational options.
• Reuters reports Washington is preparing a new phase of operations in the coming days, with clandestine activities likely first and options under review that, according to U.S. officials, could include attempting to remove Nicolás Maduro.
• President Donald Trump says he intends to speak with Maduro soon, while Maduro tightens personal security with greater reliance on Cuban agents and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says he will raise regional stability concerns with Trump.