Yesterday was quite the day for Venezuela, and I’d like to talk about what this potentially means for the industry, and travel more broadly. I may not have many (any?) answers, but I do have a lot of questions!
In this post:
US attack on Venezuela leads to aviation chaos
On Saturday (January 3, 2026), we saw the United States launch a military attack on Venezuela, ultimately resulting in the capture of leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who have been flown to the United States to face charges.
The Trump administration has stated that the United States will “run” Venezuela, and will tap into the country’s oil reserves. Exact details of what that will look like remains to be seen, but the expectation is that a group of US officials will be named to oversee the country.
Trump said that he’ll decide who the ultimate next leader is, because “we can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind,” and “we don’t mind saying it, but we’re going to make sure that that country is run properly.” Trump also made it clear that “we’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” if it’s needed.
I think most of us can agree that Maduro is a bad guy, and he wasn’t looking out for the people of Venezuela. However, I think reasonable people can disagree on the concept of removing a leader from a foreign country, the United States “running” a country and tapping into its oil reserves, and the long term prospects of success for an operation like this. The United States doesn’t exactly have a great track record with “liberating” other countries from their leaders.
But that’s not why I’m writing about this — instead, I want to talk about aviation. The attack on Saturday had major impacts on aviation, as flight restrictions were put in place for Caribbean airspace. This caused tons of flight cancelations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and also a lot of very circuitous routings.
Fortunately those restrictions have now been lifted, so airlines are working to rebuild their schedules, and it should be business as usual within a couple of days.
I’m curious how this situation plays out for aviation & travel
With the Caribbean airspace flight restrictions now lifted, it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out for the airline industry, and travel more broadly. It’s really too early to know what will happen, though here’s what I’m thinking and wondering:
- If the United States needs to have a bigger military operation in Venezuela, that could certainly cause instability for the region again, in terms of the impacts on aviation (just as we saw yesterday)
- While I suspect we won’t see a sudden surge of visitors from the United States to Venezuela, will we see the reestablishment of direct commercial flights between the two countries, or will the United States “running” Venezuela take place largely remotely, via military transport, etc.?
- Depending on how much power is centralized, will it be safer or less safe to travel to Venezuela in the near future, compared to under Maduro? Presumably there are still lots of Maduro-aligned leaders in the country, so could we see retaliatory attacks on Americans, etc.?
- What does this all mean for Venezuelan national carrier Conviasa, which has a fascinating fleet of Airbus A340s? Will the airline no longer fly to Iran, Russia, and Syria?!?
Bottom line
It’s a new dawn for Venezuela, with leader Nicolas Maduro being taken out of power by the United States, and now facing charges. The big question is what this means for the future of the country, and whether a stable transition can actually happen (it’s often easier said than done).
Yesterday was chaotic for airlines in the Americas, given the closure of Caribbean airspace. Fortunately that airspace has now reopened, though it remains to be seen what impacts we see in the coming days, weeks, and months. I’m sure such a major development will have big implications for airlines and travel… the question is which direction things go.
How do you see the Venezuela situation playing out as it impacts airlines and travel?
Why would we all agree Maduro is a bad guy? Simply because the media told you so. There were marches in Venezuela today in his support. I guess all those people are bad too.
I prefer to remain nuetral and listen to both sides.
I would hope we could all agree thatkidnapping the president of another country sets a terrible precedent and should never be done unless the country is directly at war with the US.
Let's get Aero "Moby Dick" B13a's opinion on this QUICK!
I think it would be very dangerous to start any kind of commercial service for the foreseeable future. When reality settles in there is going to be a lot of angry people in Venezuela and I think there will be a big increase in criminal activity and likely terrorism. A US airline would be a likely target of any kind of attack.
For anyone who worked at a company that got bought out by private equity you'll know it's the same. Lots of don't worry talk from the new firm, they'll promise lots of improvement blahblah. The smart ones will know that's all bs. Their job is to plunder the firm for all of its resources and chop it up. When the resources are all used up they'll resell the company for pennies and let someone else deal with the remains.
Based on my experience of Venezuela, there has been a continuous outflow of people, especially the wealthy and middle classes, to the rest of the world, especially Spain and Portugal. Iberia typically experiences a load factor that is typically 10 points higher on flights from Caracas than flights into Caracas. If Venezuela normalizes to a sustainable democracy, a lot of people could return. The preferred foreign airlines in Venezuela at Iberia, Air Europa, TAP Air...
Based on my experience of Venezuela, there has been a continuous outflow of people, especially the wealthy and middle classes, to the rest of the world, especially Spain and Portugal. Iberia typically experiences a load factor that is typically 10 points higher on flights from Caracas than flights into Caracas. If Venezuela normalizes to a sustainable democracy, a lot of people could return. The preferred foreign airlines in Venezuela at Iberia, Air Europa, TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines. Turkish is the preferred carrier by government officials connecting Venezuela with Russia and Iran via Istanbul.
It's funny, Venezuelans celebrating their freedom all over the world, while leftists at home all over the world (not from Venezuela) having in one hand their cell phones and in the other their starbucks coffee, attacking the US and condemning its actions. It's hilarious, food for thought.
Oh, they celebrate, and next thing you know they will start an insurgency. How soon we forgot Iraq!
1990, one is suitably impressed by your fake posts using my original login. Keep up the good work by providing clicks for Ben, plus, entertainment for the proletariat …. :-)
Was my expectation not clear earlier when I said "BE QUIET?". Are my INSTRUCTIONS not IMPORTANT???
Kath lass, please be advised that, yes, your expectation was clear. Your authority to issue instructions was not. You don’t get silence on demand simply by typing it in capital letters. If you want compliance, earn it — otherwise, don’t confuse volume with importance, yes?
You're embracing yourself, yet again!
Absolutely Kath, because someone has to make sense around here and it is certainly not you, old stick …. :-)
Proliterant dog!
No, you're the proliterant dog, Fake AeroB13a.
You both are.
It's spelt "proletariat".
One is extremely pleased to be able to generate more clicks for Ben. Those “Guests” using my login are doing a fine job, keep it up 1990, yes?
You're an idiot.
And you Eskimo, what is your claim to fame? Click generator for Ben, is that the best you can muster?
I’m sure Trump will try to pressure US airlines to increase flights to make it look like Venezuela is a US territory, but I doubt any airline will bite. And claiming you can run a country of 30+ million people, with a fairly robust military and the world’s largest oil reserves, without putting boots on the ground is pure fantasy. Oil companies have already said it’s too expensive and too dangerous to operate there. There’s...
I’m sure Trump will try to pressure US airlines to increase flights to make it look like Venezuela is a US territory, but I doubt any airline will bite. And claiming you can run a country of 30+ million people, with a fairly robust military and the world’s largest oil reserves, without putting boots on the ground is pure fantasy. Oil companies have already said it’s too expensive and too dangerous to operate there. There’s no long term strategy here. It’s basically a wannabe dictator acting like a strongman by picking on weak opponents. One day in the near future, America will start a war it will regret. That day is coming.
Trump will lose control of Congress in 10 months, and MAGA will lose the presidency in three years. American history has always been two steps forward and one step back. But what would regime change in Venezuela mean for airline ticket prices? A multiyear recovery of Venezuelan oil production could entail a 4% decline in global oil prices over time, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Economics. So if fuel is a third of airline...
Trump will lose control of Congress in 10 months, and MAGA will lose the presidency in three years. American history has always been two steps forward and one step back. But what would regime change in Venezuela mean for airline ticket prices? A multiyear recovery of Venezuelan oil production could entail a 4% decline in global oil prices over time, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Economics. So if fuel is a third of airline costs, along with labor and equipment, then a $500 ticket drops to $493 or so in 2028. Before the inflation caused by tariffs.
This action wasn't about oil and it wasn't about drugs. It was about mass deportations of immigrants in the US and finding (propping up) a friendly government who will take them back.
Ben, I'd like to see you report more on this from the deportation flights angle because I'm sure those will be picking up dramatically to Venezuela in the near future.
Have to love the Bloomberg headline, "Trump Snatches Maduro But Leaves His Regime in Charge for Now." Like, what other choice does he have? The vice president apparently had some back-channel negotiations with Rubio's crowd, but she's not going to flip. The second most powerful Cabinet officer is charged in the same indictment as the Maduros. Is he going to turn himself in? I agree with CBS, we don't need late-night comedians like Colbert when...
Have to love the Bloomberg headline, "Trump Snatches Maduro But Leaves His Regime in Charge for Now." Like, what other choice does he have? The vice president apparently had some back-channel negotiations with Rubio's crowd, but she's not going to flip. The second most powerful Cabinet officer is charged in the same indictment as the Maduros. Is he going to turn himself in? I agree with CBS, we don't need late-night comedians like Colbert when we have these performers.
It is all about the oil. When I was first arrived in Kuwait, I was stunned to face that Kuwaitis were not grateful towards Americans. When I said they just liberated Kuwait, Kuwaitis shrugged off saying American only came for oil. At the time, I was not a nutty news junkie so I only knew Kuwait as an tiny wealthy oil producing Muslim country. Today, Saudi Arabia and UAE are supporting their proxies against each...
It is all about the oil. When I was first arrived in Kuwait, I was stunned to face that Kuwaitis were not grateful towards Americans. When I said they just liberated Kuwait, Kuwaitis shrugged off saying American only came for oil. At the time, I was not a nutty news junkie so I only knew Kuwait as an tiny wealthy oil producing Muslim country. Today, Saudi Arabia and UAE are supporting their proxies against each other in Yemen for oil and other natural resources. Same as in Sudan and Somalia but not against each other. Off topic but a reply to someone who brought up Taiwan issue. There are four UN charters/ declarations on record affirming Taiwan a part of China. China ceded Taiwan to Japan after losing the first war. When Japan was defeated after WWII, Japan abandoned Taiwan but China was mired in a civil war between the CCP and KMT, until KMT fled to Taiwan after losing mainland China to CCP. There are 194 countries that do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country today. Hopefully, when Ben covers the topic another time it will give me an opportunity to enlighten history deprived readers. Germany was divided because it created WWII. China and Taiwan were divided because it was a victim of foreign invasion. Histories will help us see what lies ahead and aviation will be back to normal. Below is two links help you understand US foreign policies in Latin America and its drug trafficking role in decimating inner cities and the proliferation of expansive societal ills in the country. When the federal government, the elite military branch (the Green Berets) and the local law enforcement (the LAPD) participated in the drug trade, "the war on drugs" had negative chance to succeed. And we lost when states began to legalize drugs. The weakest and poorest are doomed first. It is quite heartening to read what happened to Chile on 9-11-73.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/26/a-timeline-of-cia-operations-in-latin-america
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/4/meet-the-uss-drug-running-friends-a-history-of-narcotics-involvement
What also stunned me in Trump's justification for this action - it pretty closely mirrors Putin's speech when he was starting the Ukrainian operation. Precisely the same clauses - "historically built by our people", "narco-dictator" (referring to Zelensky), "Kiev regime", etc.
And what does the reincarnation of Monroe's doctrine mean now? Does it mean that China can claim control over not only Taiwan, but as well South Korea and Japan? And Russia can claim not...
What also stunned me in Trump's justification for this action - it pretty closely mirrors Putin's speech when he was starting the Ukrainian operation. Precisely the same clauses - "historically built by our people", "narco-dictator" (referring to Zelensky), "Kiev regime", etc.
And what does the reincarnation of Monroe's doctrine mean now? Does it mean that China can claim control over not only Taiwan, but as well South Korea and Japan? And Russia can claim not only CIS, but at least Eastern Europe?
This president becomes totally out of control with his covert missions. First, a "negotiated match" in Iran, now this. Clearly, someone in Trump's team had this fetish for a very long time.
Question is - what are American national interests in it? There aren't any. The 30 million Venezuela was never posing any military or security threats to the USA. As for oil the USA needed - under any President, be it Chavez or...
This president becomes totally out of control with his covert missions. First, a "negotiated match" in Iran, now this. Clearly, someone in Trump's team had this fetish for a very long time.
Question is - what are American national interests in it? There aren't any. The 30 million Venezuela was never posing any military or security threats to the USA. As for oil the USA needed - under any President, be it Chavez or Maduro, Venezuela has been consistently selling it without any issues. Their oil company PVDSA was doing businesses in the USA lawfully, being in full compliance and paying all required taxes. But during Trump's first term, it has been "sanctioned" and its accounts simply depleted. As for Maduro being a "head of a drug cartel" - it's clear to everyone that this is total garbage.
And as for their President posing as "anti-American" - that in itself isn't a reason to use military force.
What will this do for aviation? In the short term, very little except continued instability of Caribbean flights. I've seen some posts of people considering traveling away from places like Aruba and Curacao so as not to be in the middle of it all.
In the long term, I think you will see Caribbean and Latin American governments do everything they can to be on reasonable terms with the US, while building economic blocks that...
What will this do for aviation? In the short term, very little except continued instability of Caribbean flights. I've seen some posts of people considering traveling away from places like Aruba and Curacao so as not to be in the middle of it all.
In the long term, I think you will see Caribbean and Latin American governments do everything they can to be on reasonable terms with the US, while building economic blocks that are not dependent on the US. For aviation, I think you will see countries think more clearly about having the ability to diversify cargo and business routes to other places. Given the way the US is making freedom of movement difficult for LA and the Caribbean, I expect investment in carriers that can transport traffic around the US, rather than through it. I don't think they turn to China; they turn to Europe and to South Asia. Africa would be a better geographical fit, but they are in a similar phase of economic development and are rapidly being pulled into a sphere with the ME and India.
South America is one of the next places to see a big jump in economic development in the next 25-50 years. They have a ton of resources and a desirable place to live. Mexico is making massive strides as a society. If the US wants to be part of the coming Western Hemisphere, its overt arrogance has to end. I'm not a Maduro fan, but kidnapping a head of state and then demanding oil development (like it is yours to own) is probably not the move to endear these big, growing countries to you. Nobody wants to be a victim of international extortion by MNCs. But they want to do business, for sure.
One has to ask Brent, if rumour control is correct and the Trump hawks have their eyes firmly fixed upon Greenland too …. what will that mean for North American aviation?
Post FAO Tim Dunn.
Tim, please do not ignore my request for your clarification/proof of the claim as posted earlier ….
“You do realize the same can and has been said about the British?”
Sod off, you limey bugger! You're embarrasing yourself with this inconsequential drivel! Cockney!
On the contrary Darryl, darlink. Look in the mirror to see yourself for what you really are …. a foul mouthed embarrassment, to whichever society you claim to belong.
The fact that you have allowed yourself to be rattled by a few words of wisdom, advice as well as home truths, only serves to demonstrate your lack of self control and respect for the readers of this blog.
If you cannot stand the heat, step...
On the contrary Darryl, darlink. Look in the mirror to see yourself for what you really are …. a foul mouthed embarrassment, to whichever society you claim to belong.
The fact that you have allowed yourself to be rattled by a few words of wisdom, advice as well as home truths, only serves to demonstrate your lack of self control and respect for the readers of this blog.
If you cannot stand the heat, step back from the firing line and consider controlling your keyboard digit, yes? I just luv to see the likes of you throw your toys out of your pram sunshine. Such fun, yes?
I think both Angry AeroB and Dirty Daz should "sod off"
But Eskimo, please rest assured that I am far from angry darlink. One thing that you can be absolutely sure of Eskimo, is that people who have seen me angry really do not like it. Especially if that anger has been directed towards them.
Clearly you do not appreciate it when you, as a resident website troll, is trolled by someone else. Your toys are constantly thrown from your pram and while sucking your thumb...
But Eskimo, please rest assured that I am far from angry darlink. One thing that you can be absolutely sure of Eskimo, is that people who have seen me angry really do not like it. Especially if that anger has been directed towards them.
Clearly you do not appreciate it when you, as a resident website troll, is trolled by someone else. Your toys are constantly thrown from your pram and while sucking your thumb you hide in the corner for a few days.
Oh well! Never mind ‘eh.
Yes, but the British do it with far more style and finesse.
Trump, Biden etc all a total bunch of wankers obsessed with power and their desperation to make a mark on the world. Well, they all do - just not in a good way.
What is so incongruous to me is the utter lack of respect globally for the US. Please don’t me understand me - Trump is a total whack job but...
Yes, but the British do it with far more style and finesse.
Trump, Biden etc all a total bunch of wankers obsessed with power and their desperation to make a mark on the world. Well, they all do - just not in a good way.
What is so incongruous to me is the utter lack of respect globally for the US. Please don’t me understand me - Trump is a total whack job but America has been a joke for about 30 years. Best country in the world….. my arse. A melting pot of delusional, polarized, paranoid dysfunctional dickheads.
Settle down, you!!!!
Liddle "Anus" Aero "The Arse" B13a fired off some aggressive comments, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. I have confidence that Tim Dunn will keep his promise to me and continue to call him out, &, also smiled when he called Swampman AeroB13A a low IQ individual, &, worse. Perhaps that’s sending me a signal?
Yet again I find it necessary to respond to consistently vile commenter, who if it is an actual female, will never have to suffer the indignity of being called a Lady. Is that not so Kath? Is that “Sending you a signal”, ducky?
One simply adores responding to the gross ignorance of the less fortunate proletariat.
Maybe I was not clear enough earlier....
THE SAME CAN AND HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT THE BRITISH.
Get it now?
Thank you Little Timmy, for your imbecilic post. Repeating a post from else by shouting, is not a sensible way to be taken seriously don’t you know? What it graphically demonstrates is your complete lack of original thought.
Firstly you try to look smart by purloining, then adulterating, someone else’s login ID. Then you have the audacity plagiarise their post too. That, old bean, definitely demonstrates your incompetence beyond any reasonable doubt, yes?
Dear AeroB13a,
Your persistent combative exchanges in these threads are duly and warmly noted, while I record with reverence the passion you bring to aviation discourse. Might I gently suggest a pause in the constant fighting and pointed comments? It would better allow you to serve as an ambassador of respect for our mutual motherland, be it the skies we all share or the grace of civil debate.
With kind regards,
A
Rod, thank you for your post, your concern regarding my alleged “Persistent combative exchanges” are, of course, duly noted. As is your suggestion that I might consider a lull in my responses to the rude, crude and revolting discourse of some who post herein.
It is true that I am considering by those who know me personally, to be a seasoned combatant and a fierce adversary. You might well have noted that I do...
Rod, thank you for your post, your concern regarding my alleged “Persistent combative exchanges” are, of course, duly noted. As is your suggestion that I might consider a lull in my responses to the rude, crude and revolting discourse of some who post herein.
It is true that I am considering by those who know me personally, to be a seasoned combatant and a fierce adversary. You might well have noted that I do not suffer fools, or, bullies lightly. With that knowledge in your mind, I respectfully request that you reconsider your suggestion to me. Might I offer you a counter suggestion? That is, you pay more attention to the likes of those have offered aggression and insults to me. Please see the comments above for some common place examples.
Might I further suggest you turn your attention towards Ben, as the website owner he alone has the power, if not the will, to moderate the antics of the few who raise the temperature by spewing their bile herein.
Best wishes for 2026.
The US has simply taken the role the British created.
and I can say that with my Scottish roots.
There is a reason why the majority of the world that speaks English speaks British English even though the US has been the global power for the last 80 years.
Am I reading a reply by the same person with 5 different names?
Eskimo, please be advised that you are doing exactly what you always do …. provide Ben, with clicks when you post herein. Ben, must luv you for your trolling consistency …. Xxxx
Aero "The Anus" B13a, a total loser, is being decimated by people all over OMAAT, especially since they know and admire the many GREAT people that comment for, and with, me. They are very “INTELLIGENT” and, likewise, very “STRONG.” "The Anus" has been hit so hard that he was forced to issue an apology, but his apology is worthless. I’ve known him a long time. He’s a bad guy, with major character flaws. He’s also...
Aero "The Anus" B13a, a total loser, is being decimated by people all over OMAAT, especially since they know and admire the many GREAT people that comment for, and with, me. They are very “INTELLIGENT” and, likewise, very “STRONG.” "The Anus" has been hit so hard that he was forced to issue an apology, but his apology is worthless. I’ve known him a long time. He’s a bad guy, with major character flaws. He’s also very weak and insecure, and will do and say anything for publicity. He was a staunch supporter of Crazy Icarus during his failed Campaign to support Lufthansa, and is now a supporter of Tim "Tom" "The Deuce" Dunn, but that’s only because I don’t take his many phone calls anymore - Just don’t have the time or inclination to do so. He can never recover from the horrible statement he made yesterday about United and Air France, but he is going to have to try, because what he said was totally unacceptable!
Oh, my dear Eskimo, how delightfully quaint of you to pipe up with such a bewildered little quip. One supposes that when confronted with a singular voice of unassailable reason (articulate, erudite, and relentlessly puncturing the inflated egos of the usual suspects) one's fragile mind might splinter it into a multitude of phantoms just to cope.
Alas, no sock puppets here, old chap. Merely one individual, armed with decades of transatlantic jaunts in the pointy...
Oh, my dear Eskimo, how delightfully quaint of you to pipe up with such a bewildered little quip. One supposes that when confronted with a singular voice of unassailable reason (articulate, erudite, and relentlessly puncturing the inflated egos of the usual suspects) one's fragile mind might splinter it into a multitude of phantoms just to cope.
Alas, no sock puppets here, old chap. Merely one individual, armed with decades of transatlantic jaunts in the pointy end, a vocabulary that doesn't rely on emojis or acronyms, and an intolerance for the sort of provincial drivel that passes for insight in certain circles. If my consistency across threads has you seeing quintuplets, perhaps it's time to adjust your spectacles, or better yet, elevate your discourse.
Do carry on, though. It's ever so amusing watching you flail. One remains, as always, serenely dominant, yes?
Thank you Tim, your response is exactly what I needed to hear. As a result I find it necessary to commend to you the following for your consideration.
You really would be best advised to keep your “Scottish roots” firmly planted in your own back yard. Clearly Tim, you know more about the world of Delta than you do about Britain, yes?
Oh, my dear pretender, how predictably tedious of you to slither forth with yet another proliterant outburst, desperately attempting to masquerade as the genuine article. One can practically smell the synthetic desperation through the screen.
Let us be perfectly clear, darlink: there is only one AeroB13a (the one whose prose has graced these threads for years with wit sharp enough to draw blood, knowledge deep enough to drown the dilettantes, and a certain je ne...
Oh, my dear pretender, how predictably tedious of you to slither forth with yet another proliterant outburst, desperately attempting to masquerade as the genuine article. One can practically smell the synthetic desperation through the screen.
Let us be perfectly clear, darlink: there is only one AeroB13a (the one whose prose has graced these threads for years with wit sharp enough to draw blood, knowledge deep enough to drown the dilettantes, and a certain je ne sais quoi that cannot be aped by some keyboard-clacking impostor who only recently discovered the existence of parentheses).
Your frantic accusations merely betray your own fraudulence. The real AeroB13a doesn’t need to proclaim authenticity; it radiates from every perfectly placed comma, every deliciously cutting turn of phrase. You, on the other hand, are but a pale photocopy (smudged, off-center, and already fading).
Do feel free to continue your little charade. It provides such exquisite entertainment for those of us who know better. One remains, as ever, the undisputed original. Chin-chin!
Ah yes …. behold the peacock in full plumage, mistaking volume for venom and verbosity for victory. One must admire the commitment: so many syllables marshalled bravely into battle, only to trip over their own capes. The prose doesn’t so much cut as it gestures wildly with a decorative rapier, occasionally nicking the furniture.
Your lament about “synthetic desperation” is particularly inspired, given how earnestly you’ve embalmed yourself in eau de self-regard. Also the repeated...
Ah yes …. behold the peacock in full plumage, mistaking volume for venom and verbosity for victory. One must admire the commitment: so many syllables marshalled bravely into battle, only to trip over their own capes. The prose doesn’t so much cut as it gestures wildly with a decorative rapier, occasionally nicking the furniture.
Your lament about “synthetic desperation” is particularly inspired, given how earnestly you’ve embalmed yourself in eau de self-regard. Also the repeated assurances of originality? Delicious. Nothing says “utterly unique” quite like announcing it at length, in italics of the soul, while striking a pose that screams limited edition, mass produced.
Still, credit where due: the commas are impeccably fed, the metaphors lovingly overwatered and the tone pitched somewhere between drawing-room duel and late-night forum monologue. If authenticity were measured in baroque indignation per sentence, you’d be a national treasure.
By all means, do continue. Watching someone attempt to drown their reflection in a hall of mirrors is, as you say, exquisite entertainment.
Chin-chin indeed, 1990, yes?
Good luck "running" a country with a government and military (Albeit weak military) hostile to the idea of you running their country without actually invading it. President of Peace (Tm)
I don’t see what’s the big deal all about. Many local governments in the US are run by politicians with the same ideology as Maduro, i. e. Marxism and Socialism. For example, NYC, California, MA, Pacific Northwest. What will be done about that ?
You refer to people who care about the poor and sick . The president on the other hand, is a dictator. They don’t give a flying f about anyone but the rich. A huge party in Florida singing ICE baby, selling paintings for millions and their absolute goal is to exploit oil reserves in Venezuela. Members of the Republican Party have also suggested they forcibly take over Greenland, which is a threat to Europe.
...You refer to people who care about the poor and sick . The president on the other hand, is a dictator. They don’t give a flying f about anyone but the rich. A huge party in Florida singing ICE baby, selling paintings for millions and their absolute goal is to exploit oil reserves in Venezuela. Members of the Republican Party have also suggested they forcibly take over Greenland, which is a threat to Europe.
Hopefully that ballroom he’s building will become his mausoleum this year.
And Maduro certainly cared about the poor and sick Venezuelans. Ha ha ha. Failed Marxist policies of his caused rampant poverty there.
You have no clue about Marxism nor Socialism.
Kind regards
the educated rest of the world
You don't seem to be too educated in the political science yourself. Marxism/socialism is first and foremost an economic theory, which failed. About 70 years of experimenting with Marxist in the USSR, and it never succeeded. Did any of the former Warsaw Pact/ Eastern Europe retain Marxism ? Big no. It's just another way for nomenklatura apparatchiks to live better than the working class. All for me and none for thee. Don't pretend to be...
You don't seem to be too educated in the political science yourself. Marxism/socialism is first and foremost an economic theory, which failed. About 70 years of experimenting with Marxist in the USSR, and it never succeeded. Did any of the former Warsaw Pact/ Eastern Europe retain Marxism ? Big no. It's just another way for nomenklatura apparatchiks to live better than the working class. All for me and none for thee. Don't pretend to be mother Theresa. And by the way, socialism and fascism are both left-wing totalitarian systems.
Jennifer, please advised that, yes, the Soviet-style Marxism failed as a governing system.
That failure does not exhaust either Marxist analysis or all socialist practice. Furthermore, collapsing socialism and fascism into a single "left-wing" category obscures more than it explains.
If the goal is serious political analysis rather than point-scoring, precision matters Jen, yes?
So which countries successfully implemented Marxist theory where people have access to affordable consumer goods and freedom of movement?
Ben wrote... United States doesn’t exactly have a great track record with “liberating” other countries from their leaders.
Not always true...
Hitler of Germany (actually Admiral Donitz)
Tojo of Japan
Mussolini (indirectly) of Italy
Noriega of Panama
Grenada
(debatable) Saddam Hussein of Iraq
What I want to see is the evidence that the prosecutor has against Maduro. How about releasing his wife? The Democrats run the Southern District of NY...
Ben wrote... United States doesn’t exactly have a great track record with “liberating” other countries from their leaders.
Not always true...
Hitler of Germany (actually Admiral Donitz)
Tojo of Japan
Mussolini (indirectly) of Italy
Noriega of Panama
Grenada
(debatable) Saddam Hussein of Iraq
What I want to see is the evidence that the prosecutor has against Maduro. How about releasing his wife? The Democrats run the Southern District of NY so what will they do against Maduro. What I see is the FBI was involved so this was a military assisted FBI move
Derek, with regard to your list, which many historians will find questionable, you might like to consider the following list ….
Lest We Forget …. U.S. Conflicts since WWll
Korean War — 1950–1953 Lebanon Crisis — 1958 Bay of Pigs Invasion (Cuba) — 1961 Vietnam War — 1955–1975 (major U.S. combat: 1965–1973) Dominican Republic Intervention — 1965–1966 Cambodian Campaign — 1970 Laotian Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1959–1975 Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt (Operation Eagle Claw) — 1980 Lebanon Civil War (U.S. involvement) —...
Derek, with regard to your list, which many historians will find questionable, you might like to consider the following list ….
Lest We Forget …. U.S. Conflicts since WWll
Korean War — 1950–1953 Lebanon Crisis — 1958 Bay of Pigs Invasion (Cuba) — 1961 Vietnam War — 1955–1975 (major U.S. combat: 1965–1973) Dominican Republic Intervention — 1965–1966 Cambodian Campaign — 1970 Laotian Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1959–1975 Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt (Operation Eagle Claw) — 1980 Lebanon Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1982–1984 Invasion of Grenada — 1983 Bombing of Libya — 1986 Tanker War / Persian Gulf Escort Operations — 1987–1988 Invasion of Panama — 1989–1990 Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) — 1990–1991 Somalia Intervention — 1992–1995 Haiti Intervention — 1994–1995 Bosnia War (NATO/U.S. involvement) — 1995 Kosovo War (NATO/U.S. involvement) — 1999 War in Afghanistan — 2001–2021 Philippines Counterterrorism Operations — 2002–2015 Iraq War — 2003–2011 War against ISIS (Iraq & Syria) — 2014–present Libya Intervention (NATO) — 2011 Yemen Counterterrorism Operations — 2002–present Pakistan Drone Campaign — 2004–2018 Syria U.S. Military Operations — 2014–present Red Sea / Yemen (Houthi conflict, U.S. strikes) — 2023–present Support for Ukraine (non-combat, military aid) — 2022–present Venezuela - 2026 -
Apologies that list did not post well:
Lest We Forget …. U.S. Conflicts since WWll
Korean War — 1950–1953
Lebanon Crisis — 1958
Bay of Pigs Invasion (Cuba) — 1961
Vietnam War — 1955–1975 (major U.S. combat: 1965–1973)
Dominican Republic Intervention — 1965–1966
Cambodian Campaign — 1970
Laotian Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1959–1975
Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt (Operation Eagle Claw) — 1980
Lebanon Civil War (U.S....
Apologies that list did not post well:
Lest We Forget …. U.S. Conflicts since WWll
Korean War — 1950–1953
Lebanon Crisis — 1958
Bay of Pigs Invasion (Cuba) — 1961
Vietnam War — 1955–1975 (major U.S. combat: 1965–1973)
Dominican Republic Intervention — 1965–1966
Cambodian Campaign — 1970
Laotian Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1959–1975
Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt (Operation Eagle Claw) — 1980
Lebanon Civil War (U.S. involvement) — 1982–1984
Invasion of Grenada — 1983 Bombing of Libya — 1986
Tanker War / Persian Gulf Escort Operations — 1987–1988
Invasion of Panama — 1989–1990
Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) — 1990–1991
Somalia Intervention — 1992–1995
Haiti Intervention — 1994–1995
Bosnia War (NATO/U.S. involvement) — 1995 Kosovo War (NATO/U.S. involvement) — 1999
War in Afghanistan — 2001–2021
Philippines Counterterrorism Operations — 2002–2015
Iraq War — 2003–2011
War against ISIS (Iraq & Syria) — 2014–present
Libya Intervention (NATO) — 2011
Yemen Counterterrorism Operations — 2002–present
Pakistan Drone Campaign — 2004–2018 Syria U.S. Military Operations — 2014–present
Red Sea / Yemen (Houthi conflict, U.S. strikes) — 2023–present
Support for Ukraine (non-combat, military aid) — 2022–present
Venezuela - 2026 -
Fun fact: South Korea became a democracy in spite of, not because of the US. It's economy was below that of North Korea until the mid 70s and was a fascist dictatorship that literally raped and murdered it's own citizens until 1987. A dictatorship with the full backing and support of the good ol United States
Ben, Normally I don't mind your clickbait posts. After all, you do have to make a living. This one is egregious, even by your own standards.
Invading another country is a serious matter. Effects of invasion of a country on travel is the last thing we have to worry about at this time. As it is Venezuela is not a hotbed of travel and tourism.
I love how the only outrage about this comes from Western leftists, not actual Venezuelans. Btw the US didn't "invade" Venezuela to capture Maduro any more than Israel invaded Argentina when they captured Eichmann.
You know nothing about my political ideology, you maroon. You seem to have a particular definition of invasion in mind. Trump himself said that the US is going to run the country. Can you enlighten us as to how you can run a country without boots on the ground? Sending 150 warplanes with a naval blockade already in place, is invasion.
What do you mean by "invading no more"? It's still another country, and it's still an invasion. And really - for no reason. Locals, clearly, don't mind his government. They elected him after all a few times.
VS, in fairness, Panama, was not as popular with the tourists before ‘GI Jane’ and her buddies rolled into the country.
One can only speculate how the regime change will affect tourism in Venezuela.
Facts - Fentanyl is the primary killer of Americans and Mexico is the no 1 manufacturer. Yet in the name of drugs, US attacked Venezuela. No 1 way to traffic fentanyl into US is by US citizens yet Venezuelans were killed.
This wasn’t about drugs, else former Honduran president wouldn’t have been pardoned. This is about oil/natural resources. This is about exploiting Venezuela so that corporations and billionaires can get richer.
And why do you think the Russians and the Chinese have been there up to now?
The Russians and Chinese didn't force themselves in. That's a big difference.
This is CORRUPTION! Liberation will be had! I am officially going (to make every effort) to avoid overlying the Caribbean going forward as I do not want my money to support this region! Continental disgrace!
The US won't be "running" Venezuela anymore than it "ran" Iraq or Afghanistan. Our politicians can't even run this country, the elite do. Pretty sure the airline will still run but not to the US.
And BTW, since the 1950s Presidents have been bombing the hell out of countries and inserting themselves into their local politics without Congressional approval. Ever hear of the Korean War under a Democrat President? Spare me the "No Kings."
This is what interests me too. Apparently, Maduro's party is still in power, their vice-president has been sworn in. What will they do? Most probably just how everyone else deals with Trump and our administration - they say what Trump and members of the Administration want to hear there and now, verbally agree with everything, flatter Trump a bit, then go home and keep doing what they were doing and wanted to do.
After...
This is what interests me too. Apparently, Maduro's party is still in power, their vice-president has been sworn in. What will they do? Most probably just how everyone else deals with Trump and our administration - they say what Trump and members of the Administration want to hear there and now, verbally agree with everything, flatter Trump a bit, then go home and keep doing what they were doing and wanted to do.
After all, this is how Zelensky and Europeans handle Trump. If he is that sensitive to flattering - he is not a President material.
@Anrec80
Zelensky should send weapons to defend Venezuela?
The Korean War, like World War II, was fought by troops from many nations supporting South Korea, under the United Nations Command. What has the UN said about the US running Venezuela?
Make Venezuela Great Again!!!
Lost Luggage, how does one do that then?
Sell more cheap oil to the U.S. or perhaps supply the citizens with more recreational drugs?
Maduro got about 35% of the vote in the last election. Trump's approval rating is 35% in some polls. So they have a lot in common. First we convict him, then we pardon him and put his party back in power. It's not the Pottery Barn rule, it's the Honduras Gambit. Apparently Trump's people have been making secret deals with Maduro's vice president, because she can be trusted more than that b****y Nobel Prize winner....
Maduro got about 35% of the vote in the last election. Trump's approval rating is 35% in some polls. So they have a lot in common. First we convict him, then we pardon him and put his party back in power. It's not the Pottery Barn rule, it's the Honduras Gambit. Apparently Trump's people have been making secret deals with Maduro's vice president, because she can be trusted more than that b****y Nobel Prize winner. What this means for travel is -- wouldn't you feel safer in Gaza?
Ross, according to a popular search engine, in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump received about 49.8–49.9% of the popular vote nationwide.
This is 49.8-49.9% of voters who voted, not all citizens who were eligible to vote. Because only 64% of eligible voters actually voted his share of all those who could have voted was 32%. Kinda crazy that we elect presidents with such small minority shares of the adult vote but I guess that’s what we get for not having compulsory voting like Australia.
Compulsory voting is against the basic precept of democracy.
What does your popular search engine say about Trump's approval rating after a year in office? Or if you want to change the subject again, about how many Americans approve of invading Venezuela?
Ross, in reply …. Only about 19–22 % of Americans say they support using U.S. military force to invade Venezuela or overthrow Nicolás Maduro, while around 60–52 % oppose it.
All I want is the Anschluss. I promise. And, the Sudetenland. I promise. And, Czechoslovakia. I promise.
All I want is Venezuela. I promise. And, Canada. I promise. And, Greenland. I promise.
A little bit of Poland, a little bit of France, a little bit of Portugal and Austria per chance. ( to quote Mel Brooks).
Houston to Caracas will ramp up to 10 flights a day all business class
Ah, so, La Compagnie... but, awful.
Maduro is a bad person, a criminal, and a thug. The United States is also a thug. It repeatedly invades countries in the name of regime change (notably, where oil is present to be exploited). It leaves a mess in the wake of its military interventions, and creates an even worse situation than existed prior to its military actions. The US has a history of foreign meddling in other country's affairs. It manipulated Iran for...
Maduro is a bad person, a criminal, and a thug. The United States is also a thug. It repeatedly invades countries in the name of regime change (notably, where oil is present to be exploited). It leaves a mess in the wake of its military interventions, and creates an even worse situation than existed prior to its military actions. The US has a history of foreign meddling in other country's affairs. It manipulated Iran for decades, which led to the 1979 revolution. It greenlit Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, then went in to "liberate" Kuwait, and didn't finish the job, only to return in 2003 and created an even bigger power vacuum and a mess. The sad truth about America is that it has the military might to destroy countries but it cannot take care of its own.
you do realize the same can and has been said about the British?
Come now Tim, you cannot expect a patriotic Englishman, to sit back a allow you to make such sweeping statements without requiring more flesh on your argument, yes?
Come now Tim, you cannot expect a patriotic Englishman, to sit back a allow you to make such sweeping statements without requiring more flesh on your argument, yes?
If the Englishman is a fake imposter alter ego.
Eskimo, I challenge you to prove that I am not a “Patriotic Englishman”, do grow up child, yes?
Oh - the disasters that Britain has left in its wake are very different to those the US has created and left. I'm not saying that they're better or worse, they're just different. The disastrous colonial exits. India. Palestine. etc
But that does not detract or distract from what the US is doing today in Venezuela and has done for decades in other countries.
Whataboutisms are completely irrelevant. Focus on the issue.
I'm not justifying. I am simply answering the question Ben rightfully posed which is "what does this mean for aviation?"
I am an optimist and tend to think that Venezuela will be stronger than it has been for years and that will be good for aviation in and to/from Venezuela.
You are justifying trough the typical MAGA whataboutism. Historically, an occupied country usually doesn't end up stronger because of the occupation. It does happen (Japan and Germany in WW2), but not the norm.
VS, in recent times, not a million miles from Venezuela, Panama, was invaded by ‘GI Jane’ and her buddies. Is Panama not better today than previously?
Panama may or may not be better now than when Reagan ordered Noriega's capture. Regardless, there is no justification for abducting leaders of sovereign nations just because you can. Imagine all countries with capabilities resorting that.
Correction - it was HW Bush that ordered the capture of Noriega.
@Tim for the sake of optimism, I really hope you stop commenting on things. You barely make sense on aviation, don’t expand your wings (you don’t have any). I’ll repeat, it’s ok to stay quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
MAGA moron.
David, I take your references to the British withdrawal from India and The Holy Land, to be tempered with some general inaccuracies or misconceptions.
Both instances occurred shortly after WWII, Great Britain was effectively broke and in financial debt to the U.S. The government of the day was a typical socialist Labour government. The government cut its cloth according to both its means at the time, compounded by outside influences from foreign governments too.
The...
David, I take your references to the British withdrawal from India and The Holy Land, to be tempered with some general inaccuracies or misconceptions.
Both instances occurred shortly after WWII, Great Britain was effectively broke and in financial debt to the U.S. The government of the day was a typical socialist Labour government. The government cut its cloth according to both its means at the time, compounded by outside influences from foreign governments too.
The examples you quoted are nothing like the reported reasons why the U.S. administration has removed a head of state of a foreign country.
So you're agreeing with my point:
"Oh - the disasters that Britain has left in its wake are very different to those the US has created and left. I'm not saying that they're better or worse, they're just different."
There is absolutely no economic justification for what Britain did in India or Palestine.
And I say that as someone who is British, born in Britain with a British passport. We should be ashamed of ourselves.
David, please do not run away the notion that I agree with your quoted point.
Please explain exactly what Britain did in India and the Holy Land, to warrant your reply.
Neither I nor any other British person recognises this phrase or this phrasing:
"David, please do not run away the notion that I agree with your quoted point."
Are you still claiming to be British?
BTW - It's called 'Palestine'. Stop the gaslighting by consistently referring to it as 'The Holy Land'. We saw what happened to the Christians on Christmas Day. It's currently not a Holy Land.
We have no business judging Maduro - whether he is bad or good, whether he is a criminal or not. Venezuela is a different country, different people live there. It's up to them to decide whether he is bad or good, and up to their judicial system to determine whether he is a criminal or not.
As a non-US national, based outside of the US, it's interesting to read the comments.
There's no doubt that Maduro was not a democratically elected leader.
But no one in Venezuela is celebrating. The people are petrified of the instability that may come and what that means for them in terms of loss of life, welfare, social cohesion etc.
We've seen this playbook before - in Iraq. And look what happened there.
As a non-US national, based outside of the US, it's interesting to read the comments.
There's no doubt that Maduro was not a democratically elected leader.
But no one in Venezuela is celebrating. The people are petrified of the instability that may come and what that means for them in terms of loss of life, welfare, social cohesion etc.
We've seen this playbook before - in Iraq. And look what happened there.
And outside the US we all see through the propaganda. This about oil and the interests of the US oil companies.
And this absolutely gives China the green light for Taiwan. Even North Korea for South Korea. Russia for Ukraine.
It will be interesting to see what happens at the UN. My understanding is that technically, countries would be entitled to sanction the US. And that includes Boeing, P&W etc. So first freedom rights would be the least of our worries.
David, in my opinion you presented some fine examples of why there are many governments and international observers who condemn U.S. military action as unlawful intervention and destabilising.
Now await the in-coming!
Venezuelans are celebrating though..
I saw several multiple interviews of Venezuelans celebrating. Everything you wrote in your post below that sentence I full throated agree with you.
I have no doubt that many Venezuelans are celebrating - but they will be the Venezuelans who are no longer in Venezuela and don't have to face the uncertainty that is to come. How frightened do you think people were on Friday night when their city was being bombed and invaded by a foreign nation?
for all of those too young and too consumed with TDS to know history, this has happened before.
Remember Noriega and Panama?
Panama is doing just fine, thank you.
After the US and France imprisoned him, he was sent back to Panama where his own countrymen put him on trial.
His health failed but he died on his own soil.
oh, and Panama has a pretty well-respected airline.
This will work...
for all of those too young and too consumed with TDS to know history, this has happened before.
Remember Noriega and Panama?
Panama is doing just fine, thank you.
After the US and France imprisoned him, he was sent back to Panama where his own countrymen put him on trial.
His health failed but he died on his own soil.
oh, and Panama has a pretty well-respected airline.
This will work out just fine.
and Panama didn't have anywhere near the natural resources - in export value- to rebuild the country - that Venezuela has.
There was a day when commercial aircraft routinely stopped at Caracas on flights between deep S. America and the US.
that might happen again not because of technical need but because CCS is ideally situated to be a hub between the Americas.
Lil Timmy, stick to your DL-related posts and stop magnifying your chumpness even more.
I'm sorry if facts get in the way of your narrative.
Tim, it would be very easy for one to provide a detailed explanation to counter your post, however, those who support this action would never appreciate an alternative point of view.
Tim, you're still missing the point as always.
US have invaded so many country direct and indirectly using so many excuses. Just like this, no one can do anything.
Panama was to secure Panama canal.
Venezuela is for oil.
Even both excuse was 'drugs' the only mention of control yesterday is 'oil'.
By the way Tim, did anyone found Saddam's WMD yet, so far only oil was found.
and, to Ben's point, aviation in Panama is far stronger now than it was when the US took over.
and Bush's mistake was not having the US take control of Iraq's oil to pay the bill.
and the bigger consequence of all of this is that Cuba and China are significantly affected by a change of regime in Venezuela while Iran and Russia lose a proxy (at least one) in the Americas.
you should...
and, to Ben's point, aviation in Panama is far stronger now than it was when the US took over.
and Bush's mistake was not having the US take control of Iraq's oil to pay the bill.
and the bigger consequence of all of this is that Cuba and China are significantly affected by a change of regime in Venezuela while Iran and Russia lose a proxy (at least one) in the Americas.
you should be able to see the potential for commercial aviation with much less drug money and more free people living in economically strong countries in the western hemisphere
So Tiny Tim, that’s your genius takeaway from Iraq? “Would have been ok if we just took the oil?” Wow even more of a simple minded one trick poster than I could have imagined.
Tim, a couple of very valid statements:
“Aviation in Panama is far stronger”.
“Iran and Russia lose a proxy (at least one) in the Americas”.
However:
“Bush's mistake” was to get involved with the wet, weak leftist Tony Blair, in Iraq.
Tim, thanks for reminding us that Panama is a shining example of the benevolence of imperialism. Which countries do you think Trump should occupy next? Canada and Mexico, may be?
What does this have to do with DL airlines?
Kind of silly to worry about instability. It's not like a narco state with no food was stable.
But it wasn’t a threat to anyone else (and USA party animals can get their coke from multiple other countries) until now. Witness ME nations who now export terrorism to the West post-USA intervention.
By "running" the country are we talking manipulation of the economy to benefit billionaires? If so Trump's got this.
You should be ashamed to be an American
Why?
Calm down, Russian bot.
FMBWI, to whom do you address your accusation?
I am an American and I am ashamed of Trump.
Well, a precedent has been set.
Maybe soon we will be talking about what will happen with Taiwanese carriers.
While paid white liberals in the US are demonstrating FOR a narco-dictator, who held hostage an entire country, the brave people of Venezuela are celebrating their newly gained freedom.
@ Endre -- I'm just curious, because algorithms often prevent us from seeing certain things... could you point me to the pro-Maduro "paid white liberals?" I haven't personally seen anyone demonstrating in favor of Maduro (absolutely a narco-dictator).
The only thing I've seen is general concern about the concept of this operation being carried out by another country. Should the United States take out the leaders of all countries that have dictators?
New York City.
https://x.com/ScooterCasterNY/status/2007537193674498417
Sure, I’m not sure if sharing links is allowed, but here it is: https://x.com/scootercasterny/status/2007537193674498417?s=46
Watch out for the Bolivarian Revolution signs
Ironically the US currently has a dictator in charge.
Many might well have sympathy for that statement Icarus …. :-)
I think the jury is still out on whether or not there's "newly gained freedom" in Venezuela. The new president Delcy Rodríguez has been a major player in the government dating back to Chavez, so she's not exactly an advocate of freedom and democracy. Let's see how this plays out.
After reading the numerous gripes on OMAAT, about the U.S. ATC systems, one is not optimistic for an uneventful future of air traffic in the region.
Well one can only hope it is gonna be a peaceful comment section considering how contentious this topic is. Holding hope but not really. The irony of this situation also gonna rub both sides of the aisles off very much because it contradicts everything that various sides in both parties wants or does not wants so fighting over this is gonna be silly. It has happened, just watch how US can even dig itself out of this mess
It was always about the oil. The US invading a foreign territory and installing its own regime. Putin must be laughing.
And China.
How will now criticise them for taking Taiwan back? Apparently it's OK to just kdinap the leader of a sovereign country and 'run it'.
The US never had any credibility and won’t have any going forward. So, nothings changed really…
@Duck Ling, when has that ever stopped us from lecturing others on what to do. Our foreign policy has always been, do as I say not as I do.
Basically, Trump has said, Russia’s sphere of influence is Europe, China’s is Asia, ours is America and rest are “shithole” so who cares.