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 global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President 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, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
