Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened 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 Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."