The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
