The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning 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 worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
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."
