Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Airport photo credit
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
