With this measure, the airlines Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, LATAM Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Linhas Aéreas lose their slots at Maiquetía International Airport. Photo: Bene Riobó.
Guacamaya, November 27, 2025. Venezuela’s National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) announced late on Wednesday evening the revocation of the concession for six airlines that suspended international flights with Venezuela: Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, LATAM Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Linhas Aéreas.
The six carriers temporarily canceled flights following alerts from US and Spanish authorities regarding the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR), which covers Venezuela.
The loss of air connectivity is a major blow for the Venezuelan population and their relatives, especially so close to the December holidays. Connections with Europe are particularly reduced by this measure from the Venezuelan government.
On Tuesday, the International Air Transport Association explained that INAC had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for all airlines to resume their flights; otherwise, they would lose their traffic rights.
The suspensions were due to safety warnings issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on November 21 and by Spanish authorities on November 24, warning of potential risks to civil aviation and recommending avoiding overflying the mentioned airspace.
The Venezuelan government accused the affected airlines of “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the government of the United States, by unilaterally suspending their commercial air operations to and from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, based on a Notam issued by an Aeronautical Authority without jurisdiction in the Maiquetía FIR.”
Airlines Air Europa, Laser, Estelar, and Plus Ultra had also temporarily suspended international flights, although they may have reached an agreement with the Venezuelan government to maintain their frequencies.
Wingo, COPA, Avior, Rutaca, Conviasa, and Nordwind are among the few airlines that have maintained regular flights during this week.
