The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
