The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator 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
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the MaiquetĂa region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
MaiquetĂa airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased 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 damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated 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.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
