The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
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 military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
