The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: 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 highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations 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 conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence 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
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
