The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport image source
Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance 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, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
