The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
