Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Aviation image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came 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
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
