Panama’s Copa Airlines and Colombia’s Wingo airlines suspended their flights for 48 hours as of 4 December due to “intermittent global positioning signal disruptions” experienced during approach to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas.
The decision came shortly after the Venezuelan National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) suspended the operations of six international carriers.
Airlines Emphasise Safety
In its statement, Copa Airlines noted that flights were paused on 4–5 December 2025 as a precaution due to signal issues detected by pilots but which “did not compromise flight safety.” The airline stated that the situation is being investigated and an update will be provided within 24 hours. Passengers were offered free ticket changes or full refunds.
Similarly, Wingo announced that it had decided to suspend flights preventively until 5 December due to GPS disruptions.
Both airlines emphasised that passenger safety is the “top priority.”
US Pressure and Venezuela’s Response
The flight cancellations followed a recommendation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging “extreme caution” in Venezuelan airspace, as well as the increasingly harsh rhetoric from the Donald Trump administration. While the FAA’s decision is not legally binding, social media claims alleging that “the airspace has been closed” were rejected by Venezuelan authorities.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated that the country’s airspace remains under national control and that “airports are operating normally.”
INAC’s Latest Move: Licences of Six Airlines Revoked
On 27 November, INAC announced that the operating privileges of Iberia, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Latam, Avianca, and Gol had been suspended on the grounds that they “participated in state terrorism supported by the US.”
Following the latest developments, the Institute stated that flights are expected to return to normal within the specified timeframe and that the measures were coordinated with them.
Venezuelan Air Traffic Continues Smoothly
PSUV Secretary-General and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that 1,474 flight operations have been carried out and 101,813 passengers have travelled since US statements suggesting that Venezuelan airspace could be closed. According to Cabello, 65,207 of these passengers used domestic routes, while 36,606 travelled internationally.
Cabello criticised the US claims regarding Venezuelan airspace, saying: “Today a plane came from the US. How did it come? Because they requested permission and it was granted.”
UN Warns the US: “Violation of International Law”
Following Trump’s statements that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “closed,” United Nations experts expressed deep concern regarding US pressure.
UN experts George Katrougalos and Ben Saul emphasised that “International law is clear: States have full and exclusive sovereignty over their airspace,” stressing that the US position constitutes a violation of the Chicago Convention.
What’s Behind the GPS Disruptions?
According to some analysts, recent GPS disruptions are part of the US’s “electronic warfare” activities against Venezuela. Analysts claim these operations aim to undermine the morale of the Venezuelan population during the year-end travel period.
Other experts suggest that the GPS disruptions could indicate possible US military operation preparations in the region and that this poses a “serious risk” to commercial aviation.
