Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they resume flights 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 US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, 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 deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
