The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
MaiquetÃa airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence 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.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
