The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum 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.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."