Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned 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.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims 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 vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
