The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Airport photo source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
