Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
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 United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
MaiquetÃa airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
