The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended 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 increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing 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 "at some point, we will talk with him."
