Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, 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
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
