The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Airport image source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions 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 heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing 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 "eventually, we will talk with him."
