Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Aviation photo source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: 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 increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, 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
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
