Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport image credit
Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity 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: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
