Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Airport photo source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
