The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
MaiquetÃa airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
