The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning 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
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
MaiquetÃa airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
