Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions 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
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
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 deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
