The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is now stationed in the Caribbean Sea as part of a significant US military buildup in the region, in support of Operation Southern Spear.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A growing number of international airlines have canceled flights to and from Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about increased military activity and threats in the country’s airspace.

The FAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Friday, Nov. 21, urging pilots to exercise “extreme caution” in Venezuelan airspace due to a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.” 

The advisory, which comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean Sea, warned that the threats could pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes — including while planes are on the ground.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is now stationed in the Caribbean Sea as part of a significant US military buildup in the region, in support of Operation Southern Spear. 

Since September 2025, the US military has conducted 11 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, resulting in approximately 48 deaths in that specific location.

Across both the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the US has carried out a total of at least 21 strikes on 22 vessels, resulting in at least 83 people killed and two survivors. 

While the FAA did not impose a direct ban, it now requires US operators to provide 72 hours' advance notice and flight details before flying in Venezuelan airspace. Direct flights between the US and Venezuela have already been barred since 2019.

Major international carriers responded quickly to the new warning. Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP Air, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, Chile’s LATAM, and Caribbean Airlines have all suspended their flights to Caracas indefinitely. Turkish Airlines announced it will temporarily halt service from Nov. 24 to 28.

Some airlines, including Copa Airlines, Wingo, Spain’s Air Europa, and PlusUltra, are still operating flights, according to the Venezuelan Airlines Association.

Flight-tracking data shows that many commercial planes in South America are now completely avoiding Venezuelan airspace. The cancellations further isolate Venezuela, which is already struggling with a deep political and economic crisis.

The US Department of State maintains a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing crime, civil unrest, and dangerous security conditions. Travelers are urged to consult official government sources for the latest information.

“The FAA is advising pilots to exercise extreme caution in and around Venezuela due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity,” the agency stated Friday.

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