The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations 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 sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- 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," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended 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 US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
