The U.S. NOTAM forces airlines to suspend routes and worsens the regime's aviation crisis
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The United States issued an emergency NOTAM that restricts all non-commercial general aviation over sectors of Venezuela's southern border, citing ongoing military operations. The measure, in effect until March 1, 2026, tightens the scenario that had already been anticipated by the warnings from President Donald Trump, who had stated that Venezuelan airspace "will remain completely closed".
The impact was immediate: European airlines, especially Spanish ones, increased cancellations and rescheduling due to the lack of minimum guarantees to operate in the region. Air Europa confirmed that it is canceling its flights to Caracas until December 2, while evaluating whether to extend the suspension if the situation doesn't improve. The company enabled free date changes until February 28, 2026, and alternatives via Bogotá, Medellín, or Panama. Donald Trump, presidente de Estados Unidos.
Meanwhile, Iberia activated a similar "flexibility": those who purchased tickets until November 26 will be able to reschedule trips to Caracas to fly until February 28. The Spanish airline faces an even more complex scenario after the regime of Nicolás Maduro revoked its license, along with those of TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol, an action that threatens to further isolate Venezuela, whose air traffic was already extremely weakened.
The suspension of flights could affect 15,000 passengers per week, right in the middle of the end-of-year season, when routes between Europe and South America are usually saturated. At Maiquetía airport, uncertainty multiplied, with hundreds of travelers who do not know if they will be able to return or complete their scheduled trips.
According to aeronautical specialists, the airlines' reaction is not optional: the companies are required to comply with NOTAMs that involve flight bans. Romà Andreu, professor at EAE Business School, explained that this type of alert aims to avoid severe operational risks and that ignoring a ban exposes companies to liability in the event of an incident. He stated that the decision to suspend routes is the correct measure to protect passengers and crews.
In parallel, Plus Ultra continues to wait for Spain to decide whether or not to extend the notice issued on November 24, which expired this Monday. The company acknowledges that it is evaluating the situation "in real time" according to what the Spanish aeronautical authority decides. The last regular Caracas–Madrid connection took place on November 24, when two flights landed at Barajas—one from Air Europa and another from Plus Ultra—before all frequencies were suspended. Nicolás Maduro
The combination of the US NOTAM, Trump's warnings, and the decision by the Chavista regime to revoke licenses opens a scenario where Venezuelan connectivity could deteriorate even further. Meanwhile, thousands of passengers remain on edge in a situation that, far from stabilizing, seems to become more tense with each new measure.
In parallel, military tension in Venezuela continues to rise: Maduro even requested "help" from OPEC in the face of warnings from the United States, a sign of weakness that exposes the fragility of the regime in an increasingly uncertain scenario.
