Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Aviation photo credit
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation 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, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
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 deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
