The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
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 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
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended 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 Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
