The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding 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 halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested 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 dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
