Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
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 increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
