Several major international airlines suspended flights to and from Venezuela on Saturday after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of a “potentially hazardous situation” for aircraft flying over the country. The advisory intensified concerns as tensions between Washington and Caracas continued to grow.

Flight Radar 24 showed that Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s LATAM, Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal cancelled scheduled departures from Caracas. The Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport website also reflected these cancellations.

Airlines Cite Security Concerns

Colombia’s Aeronautica Civil issued a statement warning of “potential risks” for flights in the Maiquetia area because of “the deterioration of security conditions and increased military activity in the region.”

TAP Air Portugal confirmed that it cancelled flights planned for Saturday and the following Tuesday. The airline said, “This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed.”

FAA Warning Triggers Global Response

The flight suspensions began soon after the FAA issued an alert citing a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.” The agency said these conditions posed dangers to civilian aircraft at all altitudes.

Rising Tensions in the Region

The US military has significantly expanded its presence in the region in recent weeks. This includes the deployment of the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, eight additional warships, and F-35 fighter jets.

Four US officials told Reuters that Washington is preparing to launch a new phase of “operations” linked to Venezuela. Two officials said covert missions would likely begin the process, targeting President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

One official said, “President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.”

Wider Implications

US sources noted that all options remain on the table, including efforts to remove Maduro from power. The high alert, intensified military activity, and abrupt flight cancellations suggest further escalation may be imminent.