The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
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 US government increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
