Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: 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 International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."