Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions 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 worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
