The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
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 participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments 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.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
