The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences

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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.

Airlines Halt Services Following American Alert

Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns 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 reports describe as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Industry Response

Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning 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 conditions improve.

Escalating Conflict

US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.

Leadership Conflict

National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."