The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Airport image credit
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
MaiquetÃa airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."