The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo credit
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: 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
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
