Venezuela has revoked the operating rights of six foreign airlines, effectively banning them from using Venezuelan airspace in what officials describe as retaliation for the carriers’ suspension of flights on US advice.

The decision, made by the country’s National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC), comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) warning of “heightened military activity” in and around Venezuela. The warning prompted several international airlines to halt operations to the country.

INAC accused the airlines of participating in what it called “state terrorism” by complying with US directives. The agency said the revocation was in response to the airlines' failure to meet an ultimatum demanding they resume flights.

Read more: Leaked contracts reveal long-term US buildup near Venezuela

FAA NOTAM warns of military activity in region

The FAA NOTAM on Venezuela, issued late last week, advised carriers to avoid operations in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR), citing “worsening security conditions” and increased military activity as justification. The move followed reports of rising US-Venezuela tensions amid a military buildup near the South American nation.

Venezuela strongly rejected the advisory. INAC stated that the US has no authority over Venezuelan airspace and accused Washington of using security justifications to apply pressure on Caracas.

“For joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the US government, unilaterally suspending commercial air operations to and from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, based on a NOTAM issued by an Aeronautical Authority without competition in the Maiquetía FIR,” INAC said in a statement.

Major airlines affected by Venezuela airline ban

Among the foreign carriers now banned from operating in Venezuelan airspace are Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines, all of which previously flew into Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), the country’s busiest airport.

According to aviation data provider Cirium, TAP Air Portugal typically uses Airbus A330-200 and A330-900 aircraft for its Venezuela routes. Turkish Airlines operates Boeing 787s and, occasionally, 777s. Iberia flies its own A330s to Caracas, with some services handled by third-party carriers, such as Wamos Air and Privilege Style.

In South America, Venezuela has also revoked rights for Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and GOL. Other carriers, including Caribbean Airlines, had already suspended their Venezuela services earlier in the year.

South American airlines also face revocation

BBC reports confirmed that Venezuelan authorities issued an ultimatum earlier this week to all foreign airlines that suspended flights, demanding resumption of services or loss of flight rights. With no carriers reversing their decision, INAC proceeded with the ban.

This escalation leaves Venezuela increasingly isolated from international commercial air traffic. It remains unclear whether affected carriers will renegotiate access or maintain the current suspension in response to the geopolitical risks.

Venezuela reacts to US military presence near its coast

The aviation dispute follows growing tension between Washington and Caracas. US officials claim the military buildup, reportedly involving 15,000 troops and the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. It is described as the largest US military deployment in Latin America since 1989.

However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of using counter-narcotics operations as a pretext for destabilizing his government. He claims the deployment is part of an effort to remove him from power.

Venezuelan authorities argue that the FAA’s NOTAM was part of that broader strategy and have responded with swift and sweeping retaliatory action.