Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
