Caribbean Tourism Under Threat Amid Rising Tensions Between the US and Venezuela

The Caribbean tourism industry has encountered new challenges following US President Donald Trump’s statement declaring Venezuelan airspace closed. US authorities advised airlines and pilots to avoid the area, which has already affected routes and traveller sentiment. Even in the absence of military conflict, the uncertainty has begun to influence travel behaviour and raise concerns about the stability of air and cruise operations, reports Travel and Tour World.

US Restrictions

Last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning about potential hazards when flying over Venezuela, reminds Reuters. The notice stated that civilian aircraft safety is complicated by rising military activity, aircraft and naval manoeuvres, and possible navigation system disruptions. It also noted recent cases of satellite navigation interference affecting aircraft throughout entire flights.

A direct ban on entering Venezuelan airspace was not introduced at that time, but airlines were required to notify the regulator at least 72 hours in advance. On November 27, Donald Trump urged in a social media post to “consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela CLOSED”, addressing “airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers.” No official clarification followed. Retired US Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula said the statement raises more questions than answers, as a real no-fly zone requires clear objectives, planning and legal grounds. The Venezuelan government called Trump’s message a “colonialist threat” that violates the country’s sovereignty and contradicts international law.

The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of the largest US military presence in the Caribbean in years. The region now hosts the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight additional warships and F-35 fighters. At the same time, the Trump administration in recent months has carried out strikes on boats allegedly linked to drug trafficking and departing from coastal areas of Venezuela and other Latin American countries. Earlier reports indicated that Washington was weighing a wide range of measures — from covert CIA operations to possible attempts to remove Nicolás Maduro from power.

Route Changes

Amid the ongoing situation, American Airlines removed Venezuela from its flight paths, Delta Air Lines no longer uses this corridor, and other operators are assessing alternatives. Spanish carrier Iberia [leech=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/iags-iberia-extends-flight-venezuela-suspension-through-december-2025-12-01/]announced[/leech
] an extension of its suspension of flights to Venezuela until December 31. The decision was made on the recommendation of Spain’s aviation safety agency AESA as tensions between Caracas and Washington continue to complicate international operations.

The extension came just days after Venezuelan authorities revoked operating rights for six major international airlines. These carriers had suspended flights following the US warning about a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan airspace. Caracas accused foreign airlines of participating in “acts of state terrorism” allegedly coordinated by the United States. Cruise operators are also preparing for potential route adjustments.

Other consequences

Restrictions on overflights and the requirement to notify aviation authorities in advance lead to longer routes, higher costs and delays. For the Caribbean region, which relies on accessible air travel, this means a lower frequency of flights and potentially higher ticket prices. Several carriers are already rerouting flights around Venezuela, reducing access to destinations such as Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago and the eastern Caribbean islands.

A similar situation is unfolding in the cruise sector. Small island states are especially vulnerable to reduced cruise arrivals: for St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and other comparable economies, marine tourism is a key source of income. Rerouted or cancelled itineraries immediately affect employment and seasonal revenue. The issue is compounded by Venezuela’s strategic position on routes between the Caribbean and South America. Additionally, travellers from Europe, Canada and the US are wary of destinations located near a potential conflict zone, leading to fewer bookings.

Growing uncertainty is also affecting the investment climate. Developers are cautious about new hotel and port projects, and ongoing construction may slow down. With post-pandemic recovery still underway, such pauses pose additional risks for regional economies. Island authorities and tourism agencies are strengthening communication with airlines and cruise operators, preparing contingency plans and working to maintain the Caribbean’s reputation as a stable destination. However, the region’s dependence on air and cruise links makes the sector vulnerable: any further escalation could quickly worsen the situation.