The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- 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," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
MaiquetÃa airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
