Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
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 dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims 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 strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, 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 international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
