The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
MaiquetĂa airport, which serves Caracas, 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 harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
