Spanish flag-carrier Iberia, part of International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), announced on Monday that it will keep its Madrid–Caracas route grounded until at least 31 December 2025. The airline cited a fresh recommendation from Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) following renewed military activity and political tension in Venezuelan airspace. Iberia had hoped to resume limited services this autumn but now joins six other foreign airlines that recently lost operating permits from Caracas after suspending flights under a U.S. security advisory.
The extension affects business travellers, expatriates and cargo shippers who rely on the twice-weekly service for the fastest connection between Spain and Venezuela. Iberia is offering rebooking to nearby hubs such as Bogotá, Santo Domingo and Panama City, or full refunds. Travel-management companies report that routings via Lisbon and Miami have already seen fare spikes of 20-30 % as capacity tightens. Time-critical cargo—including automotive components for Spanish firms operating in Venezuela—must now transit via Mexico or Brazil, adding days to lead times.
![Iberia Extends Venezuela Flight Suspension Through 31 December Amid Safety Concerns]()
For employers, duty-of-care considerations remain paramount. Corporate security advisers note that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration still classifies Venezuelan FIRs (flight-information regions) as “potentially hazardous”, increasing insurance premiums and limiting crew rest options. Employees stationed in the country may need evacuation-ready plans until direct European links are restored.
Iberia insists the route is commercially viable and says it will return “as soon as full safety guarantees are restored”. Yet analysts point out that prolonged suspension could jeopardise the carrier’s historic market share among Venezuela’s large Spanish-descendant community and lucrative VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic. Competitors Air Europa and TAP have not ruled out resuming flights in 2026 if conditions stabilise, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
Multinational companies with Venezuelan operations should review travel policies, budget for longer routings and consider virtual alternatives for non-essential visits. They should also monitor AESA and EASA bulletins; if geopolitical negotiations ease tensions, flight windows could open quickly, requiring fast mobilisation of staff and cargo.
The extension affects business travellers, expatriates and cargo shippers who rely on the twice-weekly service for the fastest connection between Spain and Venezuela. Iberia is offering rebooking to nearby hubs such as Bogotá, Santo Domingo and Panama City, or full refunds. Travel-management companies report that routings via Lisbon and Miami have already seen fare spikes of 20-30 % as capacity tightens. Time-critical cargo—including automotive components for Spanish firms operating in Venezuela—must now transit via Mexico or Brazil, adding days to lead times.
For employers, duty-of-care considerations remain paramount. Corporate security advisers note that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration still classifies Venezuelan FIRs (flight-information regions) as “potentially hazardous”, increasing insurance premiums and limiting crew rest options. Employees stationed in the country may need evacuation-ready plans until direct European links are restored.
Iberia insists the route is commercially viable and says it will return “as soon as full safety guarantees are restored”. Yet analysts point out that prolonged suspension could jeopardise the carrier’s historic market share among Venezuela’s large Spanish-descendant community and lucrative VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic. Competitors Air Europa and TAP have not ruled out resuming flights in 2026 if conditions stabilise, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
Multinational companies with Venezuelan operations should review travel policies, budget for longer routings and consider virtual alternatives for non-essential visits. They should also monitor AESA and EASA bulletins; if geopolitical negotiations ease tensions, flight windows could open quickly, requiring fast mobilisation of staff and cargo.
