The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- 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," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
