The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
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 declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
