The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Aviation image source
Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
