Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport photo credit
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 flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
