The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning
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 increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- 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," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted 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 certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled 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 possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
