The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced 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 repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
